The Journal of Translation was first published by the Ministry of State Secretariat in its capacity as the Fostering Institution for the Government Functional Position of Translators and Interpreters in July 2014, serving as a platform for scientific papers in translation studies and linguistics. In 2015, the Journal began to be published twice a year—in July and December—by the Cabinet Secretariat, as the institution was designated to serve as the new Fostering Institution for the Government Functional Position of Translators and Interpreters. Nevertheless, in 2025, the Ministry of State Secretariat was designated to resume its role in publishing the Journal of Translation, following organizational changes in governmental structure that once again established the Ministry as the Fostering Institution for the Government Functional Position of Translators and Interpreters. Starting this year, the Journal will be published in June and December.

The initial purpose of publishing this journal was to provide Government Translators and Interpreters from central and regional government institutions with a publication platform for their scientific papers. At that time, publishing scientific papers was one of the requirements for promotion to the Senior and Principal levels. 

In addition, scientific publication in translation studies and linguistics is expected to serve as a means for the Ministry of State Secretariat, in its capacity as the Fostering Institution for the Government Functional Position of Translators and Interpreters, and for Government Translators and Interpreters to contribute to the development of translation studies and profession. In the course of time, many academics from the Faculties of Humanities across universities and translation practitioners took an interest in contributing their scientific papers to this journal.

Furthermore, as regulations on the fostering of Government Functional Positions evolved, publishing scientific papers was no longer required for promotion. However, the role of the Journal of Translation has become increasingly significant as the journal is widely distributed to various relevant institutions, both domestic and foreign universities, and all Government Translators and Interpreters. Additionally, the interest of translators and academics in contributing scientific papers has also increased significantly. Considering these factors, the Ministry of State Secretariat is committed to maintaining and continuing to develop and improve the quality of the Journal of Translation.

Therefore, as a concrete effort to develop and enhance the quality of the Journal of Translation, the Ministry of State Secretariat has transformed its publication from print format into digital format through this website, allowing articles published in this journal to be accessed online and have a global impact.

Journal of Translation Volume 12 Number 1 of 2025 is the first digitally published edition of this journal, marking a new milestone in the journal’s publication history. The Journal of Translation posted on the website of the Ministry of State Secretariat is also expected to strengthen the image and role of the ministry as the Fostering Institution for the Government Functional Position of Translators and Interpreters.

Through the publication of the Journal of Translation on this website, the Ministry of Secretariat is committed to continuously improving its accreditation, aiming at making it an increasingly trusted platform for publishing the best scientific papers that will contribute to the development of translation studies. Currently, journals that specifically focus on translation studies and linguistics are still very limited, making the Journal of Translation a pioneer in those fields.

This journal is aimed at further enriching translation studies in Indonesia, which have been rapidly developing, as evidenced by the increasing number of translation programs or specializations taught at many universities. Every article in the journal is expected to become a learning medium for translators and interpreters in Indonesia. Moreover, the publication of ideas and writings contributed by translators in this journal will further help enhance the translation profession which has become more established with the creation of Government Functional Positions for Translators and Interpreters in government institutions, along with professional associations for both government and private translators. 

Ultimately, the Journal of Translation specifically provides a platform for translators and interpreters to publish scientific papers which come out as the results of practitioner research. These scientific papers are valuable resources for government and private translators and interpreters, enabling them to conduct research, make analyses, and document their findings based on the translation practices they employ in their jobs. The findings of the practitioners are expected to be more applicable to the development of the translation profession, which has encountered significant challenges amidst rapidly advancing technology in translation.