POLICY OF GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA IN THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF REGIONAL LANGUAGES: A LANGUAGE PLANNING STUDY

This study analyzes the policies both at the national level, as well as the regional level that has been applied by the Indonesian government in protecting the regional languages in Indonesia. This research uses descriptive qualitative method with literature review technique. This study is specifically restricted to highlight regional language protection policies related to education. The results of research indicate that in terms of regional language protection, both the central government and regional governments have their own government regulations governing the protection of regional languages. Nevertheless, from 34 existing provinces, seven provinces, one city and two districts with regional regulations on regional language protection were identified. All these policies promote regional language protection and preservation through education and teaching in schools, which include (1) Strengthening the Regional Language Curriculum, (2) Increasing Human Resources / Teachers of Regional Languages, and (3) Procurement of Regional Language Teaching Materials. These show that education is still a key factor in the protection and preservation of the regional languages in Indonesia.