As we delve into the history of the Indonesian language, we find ourselves reflecting on a journey that has shaped our nation's identity. The Indonesian language, or Bahasa Indonesia, is the national language of the Republic of Indonesia, serving as a vital tool for daily communication and official matters, both spoken and written.
The birth of Bahasa Indonesia is intimately linked to the historic Youth Pledge of October 28, 1928. Here's a more detailed look at the evolution of our language.
The Origins of Bahasa Indonesia
According to the Ministry of Education and Culture's website, Bahasa Indonesia originated from Malay, which was the lingua franca across the archipelago at the time. Moreover, Malay had been a common language throughout Southeast Asia since the 7th century.
During the Sriwijaya era, Malay was used as a cultural language, particularly in Buddhist religious texts. It also served as a means of communication among different ethnic groups within the archipelago and with traders from beyond our shores.
As Islam spread throughout the region, Malay permeated every corner of the archipelago. Its acceptance by the diverse communities was facilitated by its non-hierarchical nature, making it an ideal bridge between islands, ethnicities, traders, nations, and kingdoms.
From Malay to Bahasa Indonesia
The evolution of Malay within the archipelago played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity among the Indonesian people. Malay was the common tongue for communication among various groups at the time.
In preparation for the Youth Congress of 1926, there was still debate over the designation of a unifying language for Indonesia. It was then that M. Tabrani proposed the term "Bahasa Indonesia" to replace Malay, a suggestion that was collectively agreed upon on May 2, 1926.
The Indonesian youth, united in their movement, elevated Malay to become Bahasa Indonesia, the unifying language for all Indonesians. This significant moment was marked by the declaration of the Youth Pledge on October 28, 1928. Through this pledge, we embraced a language that would not only unite us but also represent us as a nation on the global stage.
In our collective journey as a nation, the Indonesian language stands as a cornerstone of our communication and unity. As per the insights from the Language Center of Papua, let's explore the significance and evolution of Bahasa Indonesia.
The Significance of Bahasa Indonesia
At its core, language is the medium through which we connect. Bahasa Indonesia, in particular, is a beacon of national pride, reflecting the values and ethos of our nation. It serves as a national identity, embodying the essence of the Indonesian people and their diverse heritage.
As a tool for interaction, Bahasa Indonesia bridges the gaps between citizens, regions, and cultures, preventing misunderstandings in our richly diverse society. It also unites the myriad ethnic groups and languages within Indonesia, fostering a sense of cultural cohesion.
The Evolution of Bahasa Indonesia
The term "Bahasa Indonesia" was conceived in 1926, thanks to the proposal by M. Tabrani. Since then, Bahasa Indonesia has undergone significant development and can be categorized into three distinct roles:
1. Unifying Language
Proclaimed by the youth in 1928 through the Youth Pledge, Bahasa Indonesia has been embraced as the unifying tongue of the Indonesian populace.
2. Official State Language
It gained official status with the enactment of Article 36 of the 1945 Constitution on August 18, 1945, marked by the reading of the Proclamation text, heralding the beginning of Bahasa Indonesia as the nation's formal language.
3. International Language
Bahasa Indonesia has also expanded its reach as an international language, a milestone set during the 9th International Congress of the Indonesian Language held in Jakarta from October 28 to November 1, 2018. The Law No. 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language, Emblem, and National Anthem further supports this role, particularly Article 44 paragraph 1.
The provision of Indonesian language resources and literature for foreign speakers is a testament to its growing international presence.
FAQs
What is the history of the language Indonesia?
Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, is a standardized form of Malay and has been used as a lingua franca in the Indonesian archipelago for centuries. It was officially born on October 28, 1928, coinciding with the Youth Pledge Day, symbolizing the unity of the Indonesian people.
What is the oldest language in Indonesia?
The oldest attested language in Indonesia is Old Javanese or Kawi, which was spoken in parts of Central and East Java. However, the Malay language, from which Indonesian is derived, has been in use since at least the 7th century
What is the root language of Indonesia?
The root of Bahasa Indonesia is the Malay language, which belongs to the Austronesian language family. Malay has been a crucial means of communication throughout the archipelago and has evolved over the centuries into what we now know as Bahasa Indonesia
What is the origin of Indonesian words?
Indonesian vocabulary has been influenced by various regional languages such as Javanese, Sundanese, Minangkabau, and foreign languages like Arabic, Dutch, Portuguese, and English. Many borrowed words have been adapted to fit the phonetic and grammatical rules of Indonesian. Additionally, Indonesian has absorbed words from Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic, especially during the spread of Islam in the region