RRI.CO.ID, Banjarmasin - Receiving the 2026 National Regional Language Revitalization Award from Indonesia's Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry was a proud moment for Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan. However, local officials were quick to stress that the recognition is not a finish line, but a renewed commitment to keep the Banjar language alive in an era of smartphones, social media, and shifting cultural habits.

Banjarmasin Mayor, Muhammad Yamin HR, confirmed the award on Monday, May 25, 2026, describing it as evidence that the preservation of regional languages still holds an important place amid the rapid advancement of technology and modern culture. He received the award directly from the Deputy Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education, Fajar Reza Ulhaq, at the 2026 National Mother Language Festival (FTBIN) held in Depok, West Java.

On that occasion, Yamin framed the Banjar language not merely as a communication tool but as a living expression of community identity.

"Regional languages must not be swallowed by time. The government wants the younger generation to continue to recognize, use, and take pride in the Banjar language as part of the region's cultural identity," he said, as quoted by Antara.

Yamin acknowledged that the greatest challenge today lies in sustaining the everyday use of regional languages, particularly in urban environments and digital spaces where Indonesian and foreign languages increasingly dominate. Yet he also identified those same spaces as opportunities, pointing to schools, cultural activities, social media platforms, and collaboration with creative communities as vehicles for meaningful revitalization.

He emphasized that these efforts are essential not only to preserve the language as an oral heritage but to allow it to evolve alongside the communication patterns of younger generations.

Banjarmasin's Head of Education Agency, Ryan Utama, echoed that forward-looking outlook, saying the award has strengthened the city's resolve to sustain and deepen its regional language programs. He pointed to schools as strategic institutions for nurturing students' connection to local language and culture, but insisted the work must go further than scheduled events and formal ceremonies.

"We want the revitalization of regional languages to not stop as a ceremonial activity, but to truly be present in the educational process, cultural arts activities, and the social lives of students," said Ryan.

Looking ahead, the Banjarmasin City Administration has outlined a broader protection program for the Banjar language by strengthening cultural literacy in schools and training teachers. The initiative will also focus on developing locally grounded teaching materials and expanding digital content in the native language.

Ryan expressed hope that these steps would secure the language's place in a modernizing society while building a generation deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. Ultimately, this approach aims to ensure that the award received in Depok translates into something far more enduring back home. ***