Evaluating the Implementation of Sasak Language Revitalization Policy: Case Studies in Primary Schools in Lombok

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-563-8_13How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Sasak language revitalization; multiple case study; language policy; Merdeka Curriculum

Abstract

This study evaluates the implementation of the Sasak Language Revitalization Policy under the Merdeka Curriculum in elementary schools across Lombok, using a multiple case-study design. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with local language teachers, principals, and administrative staff from five primary schools representing each of the five districts in Lombok. The descriptive analysis reveals that Sasak language instruction as a local content subject received the highest mean score (M = 70.00), followed by participation in the Festival Tunas Bahasa Ibu (M = 49.07). The implementation of Sasak Language Days and extracurricular cultural activities yielded lower scores (M = 38.87; M = 34.93), while traditional dress days received the lowest mean score (M = 30.07). These results indicate uneven patterns of engagement across different policy components. Moreover, although most stakeholders acknowledged the existence of the revitalization policy, their understanding of its guiding principles and models remained limited. This highlights a gap between symbolic enactment and deeper conceptual comprehension. Thematic analysis of interview data identified four central challenges: the limited availability of textbooks and teaching materials, insufficient technical training for teachers, disparities in implementation between urban and rural schools, and inadequate access to information about external programs such as competitions and training opportunities. Guided by Hornberger’s continua and implementational spaces, Spolsky’s language management theory, and Fishman’s GIDS framework, the study underscores the need for bridging top-down directives with grassroots realities. To ensure sustainable outcomes, it recommends targeted capacity-building initiatives, fair resource distribution, and inclusive communication strategies among stakeholders.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Baiq Yunia Eka Diana Putri
AU  - Mulyono Putra
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/04/28
TI  - Evaluating the Implementation of Sasak Language Revitalization Policy: Case Studies in Primary Schools in Lombok
BT  - Proceedings of the 4th International Conference of Research on Language 2025 (IROLE 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 160
EP  - 177
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-563-8_13
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-563-8_13
ID  - Putri2026
ER  -