RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government has distributed assistance totaling Rp262.2 million (approximately USD16,000) to five recipients as part of efforts to support the preservation of regional languages and literature. The assistance was announced during the 2026 National Mother Tongue Festival (FTBIN) at Jakarta on Monday, May 25, 2026, organized by the Language Development and Fostering Agency under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Hafidz Muksin, said the assistance was provided to activists involved in preserving regional languages and literature, literary communities, and literacy advocates. According to him, the support represents a concrete demonstration of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage.

“Today, we are also presenting appreciation as a manifestation of the government’s presence for activists preserving regional languages and literature, as well as writers, literary activists, and literacy advocates,” he said.

According to him, the preservation of regional languages and literature continues to be regarded as an important agenda in the development of national culture. He expressed hope that the government’s support would encourage the public to continue using and preserving regional languages amid modernization and the rapid growth of digital technology.

“This is a tangible manifestation of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s commitment to preserving the culture of language and literature in this beloved country,” he said.

In addition to assistance for individuals and communities, the government also provided facilitation support for regional literary and literacy communities. The program is expected to strengthen creative spaces for communities in maintaining the sustainability of mother tongues.

The National Mother Tongue Festival itself serves as the culmination of a series of regional language revitalization programs carried out across various parts of Indonesia. The activities involved participants ranging from schools to provincial-level representatives through various stages of learning and mentoring.