The Indonesian government has officially approved the use of the Korean Hangeul writing system by the Cia-Cia tribe living in Bau-Bau City.

The approval comes one year after the tribe began to teach Hangeul at its elementary schools on July 21st of last year.

Bau-Bau Mayor Amirul Tamim conveyed the news of the government’s approval of the use of the Hangeul writing system in an interview with Seoul's Yonhap News.

The mayor said the Indonesian government agencies including the Foreign Ministry will provide policy support for the tribe's use of Hangeul.

The Indonesian government was torn on the issue as some in the country opposed the Cia-Cia's use of the Korean language, citing the need to preserve minority writing systems.

With the approval, related language projects by Bau-Bau City and South Korea are expected to gain momentum.