Indonesian Language Becomes UNESCO's 10th Official Language

November 5, 2025 | 10:59 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian language has become the 10th official language used at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Assembly. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti delivered his first speech in Indonesian at UNESCO's 43rd General Assembly, held in Uzbekistan on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

"The establishment of Indonesian as the official language of the UNESCO General Assembly strengthens the bridge of understanding between nations," Mu'ti said in his speech at the forum. This speech marked the first time Indonesian was used at a UNESCO forum since Indonesia joined the international organization in 1950.

On the occasion, Mu'ti discussed the philosophy of quality education for all. He emphasized that education, science, and culture must be the ethical compass guiding global collaboration. "No child, teacher, or journalist should be left behind, especially in conflict zones," he said.

In this meeting with various international education figures, Mu'ti also discussed education in conflict zones such as Gaza, Palestine. According to him, the international community has an obligation to ensure access to education and information remains accessible to the people of that region. "Ensuring unconditional protection for the fulfillment of students' fundamental rights there," he said.

Mu'ti also highlighted the state of education in Indonesia. He reported that the school enrollment rate for children aged 7–12 in the country reached 99.19 percent, and for children aged 13–15 at 96.17 percent. He explained that the current direction of Indonesian education encompasses quality learning and equal access, conscious and enjoyable in-depth learning, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and coding.

"Strengthening character, increasing the capacity and welfare of teachers, ensuring adequate nutrition for schoolchildren, and developing public schools for underprivileged families," he continued.

The 43rd UNESCO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, was attended by 194 member states and 12 associate members. The General Assembly was scheduled to discuss and adopt UNESCO's program and budget, as well as establish cross-sectoral policy guidelines for 2026–2029. Sectors discussed included education, natural and social sciences, culture, and communication and information.

Editor's Choice: Indonesian Language Makes Its Debut at This Year's UNESCO General Assembly

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