Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 09:29 AM UTC

Mataram to reintroduce Sasak language lessons in schools

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Nirkomala, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Mataram (ANTARA) - Mataram Education Office in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is ready to reintroduce Sasak language lessons in schools, adhering to standardized criteria established in accordance with local regulations.

Yusuf, Head of the Mataram Education Office, stated in Mataram on Thursday that Sasak language lessons have been temporarily suspended, a decision effective as of the 2026/2027 academic year, due to technical challenges regarding the standardization of the language.

"The standardized version of the language previously taught was considered too complex and was not well understood by the general public; it even posed difficulties for students' parents," he explained.

The standardized Sasak language previously used in educational institutions was not properly understood, necessitating the development of a standardized form of Sasak that aligns with established linguistic principles to ensure it is comprehensible.

In this regard, the Education Office welcomes the proposal put forward by cultural figures associated with the Sasak Customary Council (Majelis Adat Sasak/MAS) to reinstate the Sasak language as a local curriculum component in schools.

"This step is considered essential for preserving the identity and heritage of the Sasak people through the school learning process," he said.

The Education Office stressed the need for clear regulations, such as regional, gubernatorial, or mayoral rules, to establish a standardized Sasak language that can be understood across Central, East, and North Lombok, preventing errors in its application.

Consequently, the reintroduction of the Sasak language as a local curriculum component in schools remains contingent upon the recommendations to be issued by the International Sasak Language Congress, scheduled for October 28–30, 2026.

Mataram Education Office is prepared to implement the recommendations and any subsequent legal instruments, provided that the necessary regulations are in place and that educators, especially native speakers, are fully prepared to teach the language.

He added that once the congress reaches a decision and the supporting regulations and curricula are ratified, the standardized Sasak language will be introduced as local content across all school levels under the Mataram Education Office’s jurisdiction.

“We will introduce the Sasak language lessons starting from early childhood education (PAUD), kindergarten, elementary schools, and junior high school, all the way up to the high school level and its equivalent,” he said.

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