GKR Hemas: Regional Languages Bill Is a Strategic Step to Safeguard Cultural Heritage in the AI Era

02 August 2026 oleh admin

Bantul, dpd.go.id – Vice Speaker of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Hemas, emphasized DPD RI's commitment to safeguarding the sustainability of regional languages through the Regional Languages Bill (RUU Bahasa Daerah). Initiated by DPD RI through Committee III, the bill has been included in the 2026 Priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas). According to her, this regulation serves as a strategic step to ensure regional languages remain alive and passed down to future generations through the education system.

GKR Hemas delivered these remarks during her keynote speech at the 13th Lustrum (65th Anniversary) of SMP Negeri 1 Piyungan and the Opening of the 1st National Congress of the Pisayota Alumni Association in Bantul, Saturday (Aug 1).

GKR Hemas stated that education plays a strategic role in maintaining the survival of regional languages. Schools are not merely places to gain knowledge, but also spaces to instill character, cultural values, and a love for regional languages as part of the nation's identity. Therefore, DPD RI is pushing for the enactment of the Regional Languages Bill as a form of protection for the archipelago's rich linguistic heritage so that it remains preserved amid changing times.

"This initiative is a form of advocacy for the regions, ensuring that the rich languages of the archipelago remain alive and are passed down to future generations," GKR Hemas said.

In addition to strengthening the preservation of regional languages through education, GKR Hemas also reminded that today's educational world faces rapid technological advancements. The digital revolution and Artificial Intelligence (AI) present both opportunities and challenges that must be addressed by preparing a generation capable of adapting to change.

However, according to her, mastering technology must not displace the cultural values that form the nation's identity. It is not enough for schools to produce graduates who are academically superior; they must also shape individuals with strong character, integrity, creativity, and a deep love for their culture and homeland.

"Therefore, I believe that culture-based education, especially as implemented in Yogyakarta, does not mean returning to the past. Instead, it uses culture as a foundation to meet future challenges. Technological progress must go hand in hand with mature character," GKR Hemas emphasized.

She added that the Special Region of Yogyakarta possesses strong social and cultural capital rooted in the values of hamemayu hayuning bawana (beautifying and preserving the world), tepa selira (empathy and tolerance), and gotong royong (mutual cooperation). These values must continue to be instilled in the younger generation so they can leverage technological developments without losing their cultural identity.

Closing her remarks, GKR Hemas called on all educators, alumni, and members of the public to work together in preparing a generation of Indonesians who excel in science and technology while possessing honesty, social empathy, a love for culture, and a spirit of service to the nation toward Indonesia Emas 2045.