USU Public Relations – The 2026 North Sumatra Language Ambassador Selection became a platform for Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) students to showcase their commitment to promoting language awareness. More than just participants, USU students achieved remarkable success by winning several prestigious titles. The awards of First Best, Second Best, and Talented Language Ambassador highlighted the active role of USU students in preserving the Indonesian language while safeguarding the richness of regional languages.

At the competition, Miftahussakdan, representing Tanjungbalai, and Rani Febrina Br. Surbakti, representing Karo, were both named First Best winners. Meanwhile, Audrey Sulistioningtyas Putri Aliza, representing Medan, earned the title of Second Best. In addition, Miftahussakdan received the Talented Language Ambassador award, further adding to USU's list of achievements at the provincial-level competition.

The Director of the Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations at USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU, described the achievement as a clear reflection of the quality of USU students, who continue to distinguish themselves as high-achieving young people while demonstrating a strong commitment to language and cultural preservation.

"This achievement is a source of pride for USU and demonstrates that students play a vital role in preserving language, culture, and literacy amid the rapid changes of the modern era," said Prof. Agus.

For Miftahussakdan, the Language Ambassador Selection was far more than a competition for titles. He viewed it as a platform to advocate for the Indonesian language, regional languages, and the role of young people in ensuring both continue to thrive in an ever-changing world. His commitment is reflected in the Trigatra Bangun Bahasa slogan: Prioritize Indonesian, Preserve Regional Languages, Master Foreign Languages. His passion for language-related issues motivated him to advance through the competition until he ultimately earned one of its highest honors.

"I want young people to understand the proper use of the Indonesian language, especially in public spaces. At the same time, I remain committed to the principles of Trigatra Bangun Bahasa," he said.

The journey of Miftahussakdan, affectionately known as Sakdan, was far from easy. He successfully completed multiple stages of selection, beginning with administrative screening, followed by preliminary assessments that tested his proficiency in both Indonesian and foreign languages, before advancing to the final interview stage. The participants also took part in a series of online training sessions and were given the opportunity to develop a krida (community outreach) program, which they later presented during the competition's quarantine phase.

The quarantine program was held from July 2–5, 2026, at the Center for the Development and Quality Assurance of Vocational Education in Building Construction and Electricity (BBPPMVP BBL) in Medan.

Reflecting on the experience, Sakdan emphasized that being a Language Ambassador is fundamentally about service.

"Being a Language Ambassador is about dedication. It is about how we, as young people, can embody the spirit of the Youth Pledge and Indonesia's independence through meaningful service. The role of a Language Ambassador is not merely about celebrating the grand final, but about the contributions we continue to make afterward."

Sakdan also highlighted the growing tendency among young people to mix foreign languages into their everyday conversations. While acknowledging the importance of mastering foreign languages, he stressed that their use should always be appropriate to the context, particularly in public settings. At the same time, he underscored the importance of preserving regional languages as an invaluable part of Indonesia's cultural heritage.

"Mastering foreign languages is certainly important, but they should be used appropriately and in the right context. Indonesian should remain the primary language in public spaces, while regional languages must continue to be preserved so they are not lost amid the changing times," Sakdan explained.

Indonesia is home to 718 regional languages, representing an extraordinary cultural treasure that must be safeguarded for future generations. In this regard, young people play a crucial role in keeping these languages alive by actively using, promoting, and preserving them so they are not eroded by modernization or pushed toward extinction.