Introducing the mother tongue to children in early childhood has become an important focus in many educational discussions across Indonesia. Experts emphasize that learning in one’s first language helps children build a strong foundation for communication, thinking, and emotional development. The use of the mother tongue allows young learners to express themselves more confidently and understand new concepts more easily before gradually learning additional languages such as Indonesian or English.
According to linguists and child development specialists, the early years — particularly from birth to age six — are the most crucial for language acquisition. During this period, children absorb sounds, vocabulary, and grammatical structures naturally. When they are first taught in their mother tongue, it strengthens their identity and cultural connection, while also preparing them to learn other languages more effectively in later years.
The Indonesian government has recognized the importance of mother tongue-based education, especially in regions with rich linguistic diversity. Programs promoting local languages in early childhood education have been implemented in several provinces, aiming to preserve cultural heritage and support better learning outcomes. Teachers are encouraged to integrate local stories, songs, and expressions into classroom activities to make learning more meaningful and relatable for children.
Despite these positive efforts, challenges remain in implementing mother tongue education consistently across the country. Many early childhood educators still lack sufficient training or teaching materials in local languages. In some cases, parents believe that using the national or international language from an early age will provide better academic advantages, leading to a decline in the use of native languages at home.
Experts stress that introducing the mother tongue does not hinder the learning of other languages; rather, it enhances a child’s overall linguistic and cognitive development. By valuing and teaching children in their native language, Indonesia can nurture a generation that is not only academically capable but also culturally rooted and proud of their linguistic heritage.
