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Fri, 14 Feb 2025
JIMBARAN – As part of its commitment to preserving the Balinese language and culture, Widiatmika Middle School once again celebrated Balinese Language Month on Friday, February 7, 2025. This event aimed to foster a love for the Balinese language as a mother tongue and to raise students' awareness of the importance of preserving regional languages.
This celebration aligns with Bali Governor Regulation No. 80 of 2018, which emphasizes the protection and use of the Balinese language, script, and literature. I Dewa Agung Made Candrakusuma, Vice Principal for Student Affairs and a Balinese language teacher at Widiatmika Middle School, stressed that this celebration is not just an annual ceremony but part of an ongoing effort to maintain the existence of the Balinese language.
"Through Balinese Language Month, we want to encourage students to develop a deeper love for their mother tongue. The Balinese language is not just a school subject but an identity that must be preserved and passed down to future generations," he said.
This year's celebration featured various engaging activities designed to involve all students. A range of competitions, such as banten gebogan and baligraphy contests, provided students with opportunities to express their creativity in traditional arts and culture. Participation was not limited to Hindu students—students from diverse backgrounds also took part, reflecting the inclusive spirit of cultural preservation.
In addition to competitions, the making of penjor and sate in celebration of Saraswati Day was also part of Balinese Language Month at Widiatmika Middle School. Although no cultural performances were held this year, students remained highly enthusiastic about participating in all activities.
"Through these competitions and activities, students are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the Balinese language as their mother tongue and as a cultural heritage that must be preserved," Candrakusuma added.
Widiatmika Middle School actively plays a role in safeguarding and promoting Balinese culture. In addition to celebrating Balinese Language Month, the school integrates Balinese language lessons into its daily curriculum and regularly organizes various competitions related to Balinese language and culture. These efforts demonstrate Widiatmika Middle School’s strong commitment to instilling a love for local culture in its students.
Through Balinese Language Month, students are expected to recognize that the Balinese language is not merely a means of communication but also an integral part of their identity and pride that must be preserved. Widiatmika Middle School strives to be at the forefront of protecting Bali’s cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations continue to uphold and pass on this rich tradition.
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