Multilingualism and Hybrid Identities among Indonesian Youth in the Indigenous Community of Baduy

An article titled “Multilingualism and Hybrid Identities among Indonesian Youth in the Indigenous Community of Baduy” has been published in the International Journal of Multilingualism. The study is authored by Eri Kurniawan (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia), Susi Yuliawati (Universitas Padjadjaran), and Sonya Puspasari Suganda (Universitas Indonesia).

This research investigates language use among youth in the Baduy community of Banten, Indonesia, focusing on how multilingual practices are intertwined with ethnic and national identities. Drawing on 98 questionnaires and interviews across both Baduy Dalam and Baduy Luar groups, the findings reveal the predominant role of Sundanese as the first language in familial, friendship, neighbourhood, and religious contexts. A key distinction emerges in trade interactions, where Baduy Luar youth frequently adopt Indonesian alongside Sundanese, reflecting the community’s adaptive linguistic strategies.

The study concludes that Sundanese remains a central marker of ethnic identity, while Indonesian functions as a lingua franca that bridges communication across different domains. This balance highlights how Baduy youth navigate between preservation of their indigenous language and adaptation to broader sociolinguistic demands. The authors argue that these dynamics underscore the importance of inclusive language policies, indigenous language preservation, and bilingual education in Indonesia.

This publication not only contributes to academic discussions on multilingualism and identity but also provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers in designing inclusive language education and preservation strategies. We extend our congratulations to the authors and look forward to the continued impact of their work on studies of language, culture, and identity in Indonesia and beyond.

Ferli Hasanah