Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim said he dreamed of making Indonesian a commonly used language in Southeast Asia.

During a meeting with House Commission X overseeing education, Nadiem said realizing the dream would be a mission of the Language Development and Guidance Agency.

“The Language Development and Guidance Agency could turn the Indonesian language into a common language of Southeast Asia,” Nadiem said on Thursday as quoted by tempo.co.

One of the ways to achieve such a goal, Nadiem said, was to create innovations in the language sector by adapting other languages and cultures to serve as a bridge between the Indonesian language and people worldwide.

Read also: Listen up, students: Nadiem wants to do away with national exam

However, Nadiem also said it might be difficult to realize his dream. “I’m not sure if we can achieve this goal but we have to dream big,” Nadiem said.

He also stated that innovation was important because it could strengthen Indonesia’s position among other countries, including in Southeast Asia.

“So please wait for it,” Nadiem stated. (dpk)