MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – For the first time in Indonesia’s history, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti delivered a speech in Bahasa Indonesia at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan on Tuesday (4/11).
Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah), Irwan Akib, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the minister’s decision to use the national language in such a prestigious global forum. He said the moment marks a historic milestone symbolizing the world’s recognition of Indonesia’s spirit of unity rooted in the Youth Pledge of October 28, 1928.
“First of all, we must be grateful that Bahasa Indonesia, which was declared the language of unity on October 28, 1928, is now officially recognized and spoken in an international forum. This is a historic moment, the first time our national language resonates in a UNESCO assembly,” Irwan said on Wednesday (5/10).
Irwan emphasized that the use of Bahasa Indonesia on the world stage reflects the nation’s growing presence in global affairs, not only in diplomacy but also in advancing humanitarian values, culture, and education, which form the essence of Indonesia’s identity.
During his address at the UNESCO conference, Abdul Mu’ti highlighted the importance of nurturing enlightened humanity through education, science, culture, and liberating communication and information, which he described as key pathways to solving global challenges.
He also addresses the pressing issues facing today’s world, including climate crisis, conflicts, and widening disparities in education, science, and digital access among nations. Mu’ti urged UNESCO to continue serving as a moral compass and a source of global knowledge that reinforces human dignity and peace.
Irwan added that Mu’ti speech represents not only a proud moment for Indonesia but also a demonstration of the nation’s intellectual and moral contribution to global civilization, a mission in harmony with Muhammadiyah’s spirit of enlightenment.
“This is not merely a moment of national pride but an inspiration for all Indonesians to make Bahasa Indonesia a tool of cultural diplomacy and a means of building humanity,” Irwan concluded. (Bintang Adrian)
