Balinese language threatened by new curriculum
Posted on January 18 2013 | 623 views
Hundreds of university students from across Bali rallied yesterday in a demonstration in front of the parliament building in Renon to show their opposition to the newly proposed 2013 school curriculum, that according to them, could result in the dilution of Balinese culture, traditions and language.
Under the new scheme, Balinese lessons will be scrapped, and arts and culture classes will be expanded to incorporate teachings and cultural input from all over the Indonesian archipelago, not just Bali.
Opposition supporters argue that the integration of national cultures into one class means less time to focus on Balinese traditions, and threatens the existence of the Balinese language.
“This merger of art and culture threatens the Balinese language with extinction,” stated activist I Nyoman Suka Ardiyasa as he unfurled a banner outside the parliament building.
Furthermore, students are calling on all parties to prioritise and maintain the Balinese language, which is widely spoken by the majority of local people in the island, and provides a strong sense of identity and pride.
Chairman of Commission IV DPRD Bali, Nyoman Parta promised to be ready to fight for the demands of the students who oppose the new curriculum.
“Language is a medium of expression for Balinese Hindu culture,” added Ardiyasa, “it cannot disappear”.
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Photo: www.bodley.ox.ac.uk
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