HARIANEXPRESS – Indonesia and Vietnam continue strengthening cultural roots and bilateral connections through dedicated national language commemorations and educational initiatives (8/9/2026).
Vietnam observes the Day of Honoring the Vietnamese Language annually on 8 September, linked to its 1945 post-independence literacy campaigns. Meanwhile, Indonesia celebrates Language Month every October to commemorate the historic Sumpah Pemuda declared on 28 October 1928.
Both initiatives serve as forward-looking measures against the pressures of rapid modernization and digital individualism. These observances encourage younger generations to maintain emotional attachment to their mother tongue and national identity.
Despite belonging to different linguistic families, both nations share agrarian traditions and values prioritizing community well-being over individual interests. Concepts such as Indonesian gotong royong mirror traditional Vietnamese collective principles.
Historical connections trace back to the 12th century through royal ties between Champa and Java. Modern diplomatic ties established in 1955 were further cemented by the friendship between President Sukarno and President Ho Chi Minh.
To support global engagement, the Indonesian government has systematically managed the Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing (BIPA) program since 1993. The program now operates across numerous universities, cultural centers, and embassies worldwide.
Learning Indonesian provides access to a regional community of 330 million speakers across Southeast Asia. Furthermore, Indonesian’s recognition as an official UNESCO language enhances its international profile and diplomatic value.
These structured efforts ensure national languages remain vibrant, spoken, and celebrated across domestic and international classrooms alike.
