FIB USU PR - On 17–20 October 2026 – Dr. Immanuel Silaban, S.S., M.Si., a lecturer in the Batak Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), participated in a meeting initiated by the Indonesian Internet Domain Name Manager (PANDI) to discuss the Nusantara LGR as part of the ICANN87 gathering at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.
The discussions focused on the Nusantara LGR for Batak, Bugis, and Sundanese languages and scripts. LGRs are sets of rules used to determine which characters or sequences of characters are permitted in internationalized domain names, including characters from non-Latin writing systems. Developing these rules is important for supporting the use of diverse writing systems within the internet domain name system.
Dr. Immanuel Silaban’s participation reflects the contribution of language and cultural scholars to the development of more inclusive digital technologies. Expertise in linguistics and literary studies is essential to ensuring that the linguistic characteristics and writing systems of the Nusantara region are considered in the development of domain name rules.
The discussion of the Nusantara LGR is also significant for preserving regional languages and scripts amid rapid advances in information technology. Integrating Nusantara characters and writing systems into the digital ecosystem has the potential to expand the use of regional languages, increase the visibility of Indonesia’s linguistic heritage, and promote more inclusive access to technology.
The participation of FIB USU’s lecturer also creates opportunities to strengthen collaboration among higher education institutions, internet domain managers, and language communities in developing regional languages in the digital sphere. Such collaboration is expected to connect academic expertise in linguistics with the technical requirements of internet system development.
Through this participation, FIB USU reaffirms the role of higher education in supporting the preservation of Nusantara languages and cultures and promoting the use of digital technology to sustain Indonesia’s linguistic heritage for future generations.