Indigenous languages of Indonesia

Indonesia is home to over 700 indigenous languages, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. These languages belong to various language families, such as Austronesian and Papuan, and are spoken by different ethnic groups across islands like Java, Sumatra, and Papua. While Bahasa Indonesia serves as the national language, many indigenous languages are vital for cultural identity and traditions, though some face decline due to modernization and urbanization. Efforts are being made to preserve these languages through education and documentation, recognizing their importance to Indonesia’s heritage.