Proposal for Malay as official ASEAN language requires further study, discussion

JAKARTA: The proposal for Malay to be made an official language of ASEAN requires further study and discussion, said Indonesia's Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim.

He said his ministry is responsible for expanding, building and protecting Indonesian language and literature, as well as enhancing the function of Indonesian language as an international language.

"As a minister, I resist the proposal. However, because there is a desire from our friendly neighbouring country to propose Malay as (an official) language of ASEAN, of course that desire needs to be studied and discussed further at the regional level," he said in a statement.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysia and Indonesia will continue to strengthen the Malay language to be made an official language of ASEAN.

In a joint press conference with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Ismail Sabri said both countries agreed to use Malay as the medium of communication at every international conference.

According to Nadiem, the Indonesian language deserves more attention due to its history, law and linguistics; and its prevalent use in Southeast Asia, as well as its use in 47 countries.

The Indonesian Language Programme for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) is maintained by 428 agencies including under Nadiem's ministry, as well as BIPA boards and activists around the world.

Indonesian language is also a subject in several campuses in Europe, the United States, and Australia, as well as higher education centres in Asia.

Article 36 of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia states that the state language is Indonesian, explained Nadiem.

-- BERNAMA