Language Ideology in Jakarta Public Space: Indonesian Government Policy on Linguistics Landscape

Abstract

What is presented as a linguistics landscape in the public space is meaningful to develop language ideology for the community. Public spaces serve to transmit language for the next generation because public space continues to exist forever. The Indonesian government's policy on the linguistics landscape is contained in Law Number 24 Year 2009 on Flags, Languages, State Symbols, and National Anthems. This study discusses the use of language in business institutions in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. The selected business entities are the property of the indigenous and foreign nationals, including those affiliated with overseas companies. Other policies of the Indonesian government are also included, namely Law Number 25 Year 2007 regarding Capital Investment. The results of research on the naming of business institutions indicate that there are weaknesses in the case of language ideology in the public sphere with the non-existence of the rules of language use for foreign-owned enterprises or business institutions affiliated with overseas companies. Weakness is also evident through an analysis of the use of language on the information board indicating the abundant use of mixed or arbitrary forms of interpolation that instead of demonstrating multilingualism, but more likely because of incomprehension or foolishness. The main suggestion of this research is the revision of the policy of Law 24 Year 2009, especially Article 36 paragraph (3).