14-11-2023 (SYDNEY) In the diverse academic landscape of Australia, a concerning trend is unfolding, manifesting in a dwindling interest in learning Bahasa Indonesia, the language of the country’s significant neighbour. The once vibrant educational embrace of this Southeast Asian language is now facing a precipitous decline, impacting both universities and schools across the nation.
Australia, home to over 40 universities, has witnessed a stark reduction in institutions offering Bahasa Indonesia courses, dwindling from 22 in 1992 to a mere 12 today. This phenomenon is not confined to tertiary education; high schools in New South Wales, the most populous state, witnessed a plunge in Bahasa Indonesia enrollment from 306 students in 2002 to a meagre 90 in 2022. Similarly, in Victoria, the second most populous state, numbers plummeted from 1,061 to 387 over the same period.
Zain Brown, a 20-year-old undergraduate at Monash University, stands as one of the few embarking on the journey of Bahasa Indonesia studies in 2023. For Brown, a personal connection to Indonesia, nurtured during his family’s residence in Jakarta, fuels his interest. His experience highlights a concerning reality – a majority of Australians remain unfamiliar with Indonesia beyond the allure of Bali.
Catherine Morris, a 19-year-old student at the University of Western Australia (UWA), echoes this sentiment. Morris, studying language and linguistics, faced the persistent question, “Why learn Bahasa Indonesia?” Despite studying it in high school and recognizing its relevance as a neighbour and emerging trade partner, Morris contends with the prevailing mindset questioning the necessity of such linguistic pursuits.
At UWA, where only 75 students engage with Bahasa Indonesia, compared to approximately 320 for Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese, the disparity reveals a broader issue in Australia’s linguistic culture. A monolingual mindset prevails, reinforced by Bali’s English-friendly tourist environment. Dr. Jessica Kruk, a lecturer at UWA, emphasizes Australia’s lack of exposure to Indonesian culture, coupled with negative perceptions arising from events like the Bali bombings in 2002.
The declining interest in learning Bahasa Indonesia raises significant concerns for Australia’s diplomatic and trade prospects with Indonesia. As Indonesia’s economy burgeons, and it gains prominence as a regional partner, Australia’s linguistic deficit poses challenges. With Indonesia projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2045, the need for Bahasa Indonesia proficiency becomes increasingly critical.
Experts emphasize the urgency of revitalizing language programs. Dr. Sharyn Davies from Monash University warns that diplomatic, trade, and intelligence agencies will face challenges in finding Bahasa Indonesia speakers. The media, business community, and the Indonesian government are called upon to contribute actively. Dr. Davies highlights the need to portray Indonesia positively, leveraging its cultural appeal. Comparisons to the success of the Korean language, driven by K-pop’s global popularity, underscore the potential impact of showcasing Indonesia’s cultural richness.
While challenges persist, students like Zain Brown find silver linings in the smaller cohort, envisioning unique employment opportunities for those proficient in Bahasa Indonesia.
