Indonesian Journal of Language and Communication Studies
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Language, media, and society in contemporary Indonesia

Reclaiming indigenous voices: linguistic landscape of minority languages in urban public spaces in Indonesia

Winie Setia Prilapnita Hapsari (STKIP PGRI Metro)
Alif Via Sufianti (STKIP PGRI Metro)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: The visibility of minority languages in Indonesia’s urban public spaces reflects complex dynamics of cultural identity, political recognition, and linguistic equity. Objective: This study aims to examine the distribution, symbolic meanings, and power relations embedded in the linguistic landscape of selected Indonesian cities. Method: Employing a qualitative design that integrates Linguistic Landscape Analysis, semiotics, and Critical Discourse Analysis, data were collected through photographic documentation, field observations, municipal policy reviews, and stakeholder interviews. Results: The findings show that Makassar, Bandung, and Kupang exhibit high-visibility and institutionally supported minority language signage, integrating cultural identity with commercial and governance domains. Jayapura’s linguistic presence is dominated by political assertion and artistic expression, while Jakarta and Surabaya show lower visibility, with indigenous languages often confined to informal or peripheral spaces. These patterns indicate that ethnolinguistic vitality, governance frameworks, and socio-political histories strongly influence language placement, symbolic resonance, and public legitimacy. Implication: The study implies that sustainable indigenous language visibility requires not only spatial representation but also systemic policy support and community engagement. Novelty: This study demonstrates how governance structures and ethnolinguistic vitality jointly shape the visibility and symbolic power of minority languages in urban Indonesia through an integrated linguistic landscape, semiotic, and critical discourse perspective.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijlc

Publisher

Subject

Description

Indonesian Journal of Language and Communication Studies is a double blind peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes original research articles and critical studies in the fields of language and communication. This journal is published as a platform for the dissemination of theoretical, ...