Lomba Debat Bahasa Indonesia Babel - Jambi (Pekan Bahasa 2016)

Summary

The debate centers on the use of foreign languages in business signage in Indonesia. The government side (Pro) argues that foreign languages are permissible when they carry historical, cultural, or religious value, citing legal precedents and the need to attract global attention. The opposing side (Contra) emphasizes the importance of upholding national identity, arguing that such practices undermine Indonesian language laws and culture. They stress the legal obligation to use Bahasa Indonesia for business names and warn against the diminishing prestige of the national language. The discussion involves legal interpretations, national identity, and economic factors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The debate centers around the use of foreign languages in business signage in Indonesia, with opposing views on its impact on culture and law.
• 😀 The Pro side argues that foreign languages in business names can enhance identity, attract customers, and align with global business practices.
• 😀 The Contra side emphasizes that Bahasa Indonesia should be the primary language used in business signage as mandated by Indonesian law and regulations.
• 😀 According to the Pro side, the use of foreign languages is supported by Article 36 of Law No. 24 of 2009, which allows foreign languages when they hold historical, cultural, or religious significance.
• 😀 The Contra side disputes this interpretation, arguing that foreign languages are only permissible under specific conditions and cannot override the national language mandate.
• 😀 The Pro side uses examples like 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' to justify the use of foreign languages, stating that it reflects the business's cultural origin and enhances marketing appeal.
• 😀 The Contra side stresses that legal provisions like the Constitution and language development laws require the use of Bahasa Indonesia for public signage, promoting national unity.
• 😀 The Contra side also mentions that misuse of foreign languages in business names could result in legal repercussions, as it would violate administrative regulations.
• 😀 The Pro side highlights that businesses using foreign languages can benefit economically by appealing to a broader, international customer base, especially in tourism-heavy areas.
• 😀 Both sides agree that language plays a key role in national identity, but they differ on how it should be balanced with globalization and legal requirements in business contexts.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the debate presented in the transcript?

The debate centers around whether foreign languages should be allowed on business nameplates (papan nama usaha) in Indonesia, focusing on the legal, cultural, and economic implications.

What legal basis is cited by the pro side to support the use of foreign languages on business nameplates?

The pro side refers to **Undang-Undang No. 24 Tahun 2009**, which permits the use of foreign languages on business nameplates if the language has cultural, historical, religious, or customary significance.

How does the pro side justify the use of foreign languages in business names with examples?

The pro side argues that foreign languages can help businesses appear more **prestigious** and **global**, using examples like 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' (KFC), where the foreign language (English) adds historical and cultural value linked to Kentucky.

What is the stance of the con side regarding the use of foreign languages in business names?

The con side opposes the use of foreign languages, stating that it violates Indonesia's national language policy, which prioritizes the use of Indonesian for business names to preserve cultural identity and unity.

What legal and cultural arguments are made by the con side against foreign language usage?

The con side argues that allowing foreign languages on business nameplates contradicts Indonesia’s **Sumpah Pemuda** (Youth Pledge), which promotes national unity through the Indonesian language. They also stress that the law specifically limits the use of foreign languages to those with clear cultural or historical ties to Indonesia.

How does the pro side see foreign languages as beneficial for the economy?

The pro side argues that foreign languages can attract international customers, particularly in tourist areas, enhancing the **global appeal** of businesses and potentially boosting the **Indonesian economy**.

What is the con side's perspective on the economic impact of using foreign languages?

The con side believes that the use of foreign languages may undermine national identity, which could harm long-term economic stability, as it weakens the position of the Indonesian language in business and governance.

What is the legal requirement for business names in Indonesia according to **Undang-Undang No. 24 Tahun 2009**?

According to the law, business names must primarily use Indonesian, but foreign languages may be used if they hold cultural, historical, religious, or customary value specific to Indonesia.

What example does the con side give to demonstrate incorrect use of foreign languages under the law?

The con side criticizes the use of 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' (KFC) as an example, arguing that it does not have strong ties to Indonesian culture and thus violates the law on foreign language use in business names.

What consequences does the con side warn about if foreign languages are misused in business names?

The con side warns that misinterpreting or misusing foreign languages on business nameplates could lead to **legal violations**, including administrative sanctions that could invalidate the business registration.