The impact of the globalization era did not only impact the field of economy, but also further made the development of the Indonesian language filled with profanity. Indonesian people have greater pleasure in using foreign languages such as English, rather than Indonesian language, despite being the language of the nation.
“But we should not be dissolved by the presence of globalization, we need to respond it to a manner of local language inclusion,” stated Prof. Dr. Lukman, M.S. during the National Seminar and Dialogue of Nationality, in accordance to the Language Month 2016 that was held by the Indonesian Literature Department, taking place in Hotel Banua Makassar, 11-13 November 2016.
Based on a research conducted by stakeholders of business, stated Lukman, they prefer using English language when it relates to the matter of place and product. They have that particular preference, as by labeling the place with a foreign language, it would be of greater prestige and elegance compared to the use of Indonesian language. They further believe that by labeling the products in English language, the prices will be higher.
“The word laundry is more attractive compared to the use of binatu. It might not be portrayed as too attractive,” stated Prof. Lukman that has researched 108 hotels, culinary fields, and developers in Makassar as the sample of the research.
Out of the hotel researchers, approximately 75% uses English. The use of English language does not only occur in hotels, as the same phenomenon surfaces in hospitals, malls, and government buildings. Local language must be globalized. Language must develop better, including the establishment of positive thought towards Indonesian language that has degraded drastically
Lukman further elaborated, the use of Indonesian language in places and products contain a negative connotation. 54% among them do not agree with the use of Indonesian Language. Meanwhile 67% believe the use of English Language is better for business and products.
When given the choice of using Indonesian and English Language at the same time, 46% of them declined. They prefer to use only English Language.
“Their sense of proudness to use Indonesian Language is low, with 40% prefer Indonesian, while 60% prefer the foreign language,” he added.
Lukman suggested that there must be a government intervention through the solidification of the Government Regulation No. 24/2009 on Flag, Language, and State Emblem, along with the National Anthem, which was formalized on 9 July 2009. The regulation concerns the conduct and use of the language, flag, and State Emblem, along with the national anthem, which must be in accordance with the pre-determined regulations. There must be a regulation that concerns the use of Indonesian language in the public sphere.
“Such a matter might be caused by the lack of regulations that fines people once they violate the language. The only sanction evident relates to hate speech,” stated Lukman in the event that was also attended by the Head of the Language Division of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Prof. Dr. Dadang Sunandar, and language expert from UGM, Prof. Dr. Dewa Putu Dejana, along with participants originating Yogyakarta, Solo, Bandung, Papua, Maluku, Kendari, and Makassar.
