(Photo: ANTARA/Evarianus Supar/rst)
Efforts to revitalize Kamoro and Amugme languages in Mimika District underscored by regional government initiatives
IN the four-wheeled vehicle parking lot, Bapak Yopi Toisuta, Head of the Mimika District Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports Service, expressed concern while addressing inquiries about revitalising the region’s native languages.
Kamoro and Amugme, native regional languages in Mimika District, play a vital role in the cultural fabric of the area, with distinct greetings and cultural practices associated with each. Efforts are underway to ensure their preservation and usage across official and non-official events.
To promote language preservation, the Mimika District Government has initiated steps such as publishing language books for educational institutions and local organizations, encouraging younger generations to engage with their linguistic heritage.
Despite the diverse population in Mimika District, the use of regional languages faces challenges, leading to concerns about language loss among younger generations. Efforts are needed to integrate Kamoro and Amugme languages into formal education and promote their digitalization to ensure their preservation.
In response to these challenges, the Mimika District Regional Regulation Agency is discussing draft regulations in collaboration with the Papua Province Language Center to protect and promote regional languages and literature. This initiative underscores the importance of legislative support in preserving cultural assets.
Preserving regional languages is not only a cultural imperative but also a legal obligation, as stipulated by national laws and regulations. The collaborative efforts between cultural stakeholders and legislative bodies reflect a shared commitment to safeguarding local wisdom in the Land of Papua.
Source: Antara News
