Exploring Linguistic Landscapes at Kebun Raya Bogor: A Field Trip Reflection with NU Scholarship 2024 Awardees

Jakarta, 13/07

On a bright and promising morning in March 2024, the recipients of the NU Scholarship gathered with great enthusiasm at Kebun Raya Bogor. This field trip was not merely a recreational outing but a vital component of our Writing Project program, designed to enrich our understanding of linguistic landscapes in public spaces. As part of our academic exploration, we were tasked with observing, documenting, and analyzing the use of language displayed in various signs, inscriptions, and information boards scattered across five key locations within the garden: Museum Zoology, Makam Belanda, the memorial of Ratu Galuh Mangku Alam Prabu Siliwangi, Rumah Kaca Anggrek, and Taman Akuatik.

Our journey began at the Museum Zoology, an iconic destination at Kebun Raya Bogor. As we walked through the entrance, we were immediately greeted by bilingual signage in both Indonesian and English, providing clear navigation and informative descriptions of the exhibits. The museum’s linguistic landscape emphasized accessibility for international visitors, with scientific terminology carefully translated, making the space both educational and inclusive. We noted how the formal language used in the explanatory panels reflected a scientific register, while certain labels employed more approachable terms to engage younger audiences.

The next stop was Makam Belanda, a quiet and historical resting place of Dutch colonial figures. Here, the linguistic landscape shifted significantly. The epitaphs and plaques on the tombstones were predominantly in Dutch, with weathered inscriptions that told silent stories of the past. Some signs provided translations in Indonesian, although not consistently. This mixture of languages gave us an opportunity to reflect on the layered history of the site and how language plays a role in preserving or obscuring historical narratives.

Our third destination was the sacred site dedicated to Ratu Galuh Mangku Alam Prabu Siliwangi. Unlike the previous sites, this area was rich with traditional and spiritual nuances. The signage, written predominantly in Indonesian with traces of Sundanese, conveyed messages of respect and local wisdom. Phrases such as "Dilarang Berbuat Tidak Sopan di Area Ini" (Do Not Behave Improperly in This Area) were common, reflecting both the sacredness of the space and the community's cultural norms. We discussed how language here served as a bridge between cultural reverence and public instruction.

After a brief rest, we continued to Rumah Kaca Anggrek, the greenhouse showcasing various species of orchids. The linguistic landscape here was more botanical, filled with Latin nomenclature and detailed descriptions in Indonesian. The signage aimed at educating visitors about plant conservation while promoting national pride in Indonesia’s biodiversity. We observed that while scientific language was dominant, occasional poetic expressions were used to capture the beauty of the orchids, such as "Sang Primadona Tropis" (The Tropical Prima Donna).

Our final stop was Taman Akuatik, a beautifully designed aquatic garden. The signs here were minimalistic yet informative, with instructions in Indonesian reminding visitors to respect the environment—“Jangan Membuang Sampah Sembarangan”—and descriptions of aquatic plants written in both Indonesian and English. We analyzed how the language choice catered to both local and international audiences, subtly promoting environmental stewardship through concise messaging.

Throughout the field trip, we engaged in active discussions about the role of linguistic landscapes in shaping visitors' experiences and understanding of public spaces. This journey was not just an exploration of language, but also a deeper reflection on how history, culture, and science are communicated through signs and symbols.

As NU Scholarship 2024 awardees, this field trip provided us with invaluable insights for our Writing Project. Each location offered unique linguistic data that we will analyze further in our essays. Beyond the academic exercise, the experience fostered a sense of community among us, inspiring collaboration and shared learning.

By the end of the day, as we gathered for a group reflection beneath the towering trees of Kebun Raya Bogor, we realized that this field trip had expanded not only our academic horizons but also our appreciation for the rich tapestry of language and culture that surrounds us every day.

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