During a working visit by Vice President K.H. Ma’ruf Amin to Tanjungpinang, the Governor of the Riau Islands, H. Ansar Ahmad, seized the opportunity to present a proposal for the construction of a Language Monument on Penyengat Island aimed at preserving cultural heritage and celebrating historical linguistic contributions.
The Governor presented the monument plan as a critical cultural venture, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding and valorizing the historical narrative of the region, particularly highlighting the contributions of the celebrated 19th-century intellectual and National Hero from the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, Raja Ali Haji.
Governor Ansar Ahmad outlined the monumental role of Raja Ali Haji in unifying the nation through language during the 19th century, citing his seminal works that laid the foundation for the Indonesian language, thus underscoring the monument’s importance as a beacon of national unity and heritage.
The proposed monument, estimated to cost around Rp89.9 billion, has already secured Rp25 billion from the 2025 Regional Budget (APBD). The remaining Rp65 billion is hoped to be funded by the central government, a proposal supported by discussions with Diana Kusumastuti, the Director-General of Cipta Karya at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR).
Planned to span approximately 2,000 square meters on Penyengat Island, the monument will serve as both a cultural landmark and a tourist attraction, further enriching the historical tapestry of the Riau Islands.
The Governor quoted a speech by the late President Abdurrahman Wahid from 2000, which praised Raja Ali Haji’s efforts. This historical reverence strengthens the current advocacy for the monument, aligning it with broader national values of unity and cultural preservation.
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The monument is expected to boost local tourism and education regarding the origins and development of the Indonesian language, contributing significantly to the socio-economic growth of the region.
The proposed Language Monument on Penyengat Island represents a significant cultural and historical investment for the Riau Islands, aiming to preserve and honor the legacy of Raja Ali Haji. With the governor’s active lobbying for additional funds, the project hopes to receive the necessary support to bring this vision to fruition, enhancing both cultural heritage and regional development.
Governor Ansar Ahmad’s presentation to Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and other central government officials highlights a strategic initiative to construct a Language Monument in the Riau Islands. This project aims to preserve linguistic history and celebrate the cultural unity it symbolizes, requiring substantial investment to realize its potential as a new cultural landmark in Indonesia.
Sources: Gokepri, Bursa Kota (2024)
