REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Language Agency of the Education and Culture Ministry has so far identified only 646 local dialects.

"We have managed to identify just 646 local languages. Within the next two months, the figure is expected to increase," Dadang Sunendar, the agency's head, said here, Friday.

The identification is necessary to know the exact number of local languages in Indonesia, he remarked.

However, several dialects are believed to have become extinct as people no longer speak these languages. The extinct local languages include Hoti, Hukumina, Hulung, Serua, Te'un, Palumata, Loun, Moksela, Naka'ela and Nila in Maluku Province, and Saponi and Mapia on Papua Island.

The ministry has attempted to preserve the local languages by appointing language envoys in every region. This year, every province has sent two language ambassadors.

"It is not easy to become a language ambassador as she or he has to speak good Indonesian Language, local dialects, and foreign languages," he pointed out.

Candidates have to undertake a week-long language course before being selected as language envoys to represent their respective provinces.

The agency has established cooperation with the media and teachers to promote Indonesian language. Support from parents is also crucial for promoting the campaign for Indonesian languages.

"We try to preserve the local languages and prevent them from becoming extinct, as no one speaks the dialects anymore," he noted.

Indonesia is believed to have more than 700 local dialects.

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