Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the importance of Indonesian language education for a leader in increasing effective communication and advancing national identity.

Methodology/Design/Approach: This study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The data used are secondary data from literature related to Indonesian language education, effective communication, leadership, and national identity.

Result: The study results show that Indonesia has yet to become the host of its own country due to globalization, favouring foreign identities as a symbol of modernity. The ability of the community and leaders to speak good and correct Indonesian is still meagre, which is caused by several factors, namely: lack of understanding of the use of standard and non-standard language, underestimating definitions, lack of ability to understand sentence structure; there is a change in the spelling structure, a lack of adequate education and a lack of interest in learning Indonesian. Leaders proficient in Indonesian can lead and communicate well with their people, increasing people's trust and obedience to the government. In addition, leaders who understand and can use the Indonesian language well can be an example for their people in maintaining the diversity and uniqueness of the nation's culture. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve the quality of Indonesian language education for leaders by attending training, and courses, strengthening literacy and practising speaking and writing Indonesian properly and correctly.

Conclusion: This study confirms that Indonesian language education is very important for a leader in improving his practical communication skills and advancing national identity. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve the quality of Indonesian language education for leaders in formal and non-formal education.