Eksistensi Bahasa Indonesia di Lingkungan Masyarakat dan Pendidikan

Abstract

Indonesian plays a strategic role as the language of unity, national identity, and the language of education and science. However, in the era of globalization, its existence faces serious challenges due to the increasing use of foreign languages, especially English, in society and education. This study aims to examine the existence of Indonesian in society and education and its role in shaping national character. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach with a literature study through the examination of books, journal articles, and relevant documents. The results of the study show that Indonesian remains the national language, but its use tends to shift due to the influence of foreign languages and low awareness of proper and correct language use. Education has a major role in fostering and preserving Indonesian through the example set by teachers and the habit of speaking according to the rules. The conclusion of this study emphasizes that the existence of Indonesian can be maintained through the strengthening of character education, language discipline, and the placement of foreign languages as a supplement, not a replacement for Indonesian.