BANDUNG, WPs. - BEM Hima Pensatrada, through its Social and Policy Division (Sosjak), successfully organized SARUBADAH (Discussion on the Regional Language Bill) on Friday, 26 April 2026. This academic activity was deliberately held as a strategic discussion space for students of the Sundanese Language Education Study Program. Through this forum, the students examined the urgency of the Draft Law on Regional Languages to safeguard the continuity and preservation of local languages throughout Indonesia.
Serving as the main speaker, Darpan, M.Pd. presented legal and cultural perspectives related to the proposed regulation. “The Regional Language Bill is an important step in maintaining and preserving regional languages as part of the nation’s cultural heritage. Although it is not yet perfect and still requires many improvements, the effort to turn it into law must continue to be pursued by all parties so that regional languages remain alive, continue to develop, and retain their value amid the progress of the times and the currents of globalization,” he said. Through this statement, he emphasized that a clear legal framework is crucial so that regional languages do not become increasingly marginalized by modernization.
Furthermore, Darpan, M.Pd. underlined that the function of the Regional Language Bill goes far beyond technical linguistic matters. In essence, the regulation serves as a key pillar in preserving cultural identity and the selfhood of indigenous communities in every region. He reminded the audience that without binding legal protection, regional languages in Indonesia remain under the shadow of extinction due to the strong currents of globalization dominating the communication space of the younger generation.
Through the dynamic and interactive discussion, participants gained new perspectives on language policy, cultural preservation strategies, and the crucial role of young people. This forum was not merely a place to exchange ideas, but also successfully sparked students’ concern for the real condition of regional languages today. The collective awareness built within this discussion space is expected to drive concrete action in preserving the existence of the Sundanese language.
From a broader perspective, SARUBADAH is highly aligned with the global agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, it supports SDG 4 on Quality Education through the development of students’ critical thinking, as well as SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities in the aspect of preserving cultural heritage. This form of learning beyond the classroom has effectively shaped students into agents of change who are conscious of their cultural assets.
In closing, positive enthusiasm was voiced by Destiani, one of the student participants. “The discussion activity was very good because it provided us, as students of Sundanese Language Education, with understanding and knowledge regarding the Regional Language Bill,” she said. She added that the forum had made students more aware of the future of regional languages, while also expressing hope that the effort to oversee this bill would continue until it is officially enacted. Her testimony became a reflection of SARUBADAH’s success in motivating the younger generation to fight for regional languages so that they remain alive, honored, and dignified.
Contributors: Haidar Ali Dzulfikar, Dian Hendrayana