Surviving rather than thriving: Indonesian language education in Australian high schools

Abstract

This paper examines the current state of, and potential opportunities for promoting, Indonesian language education in Australian high schools and the long-term strategic applications of such investment. This paper is presented in two parts. The first examines the decline in the study of Indonesian language, placing this trend in the broader context of issues affecting the efficacy of language planning policy and the praxis of language other than English (LOTE) education in the Australian education system. This section addresses the key limitations of established approaches to the formulation of LOTE education policy and its implementation in Australian schools. The second part of this paper cross-references the findings of linguists, academics and practitioners, and political actors to demonstrate how embedding Indonesian language studiesinto the Australian education system can deliver a range of benefits for students, Australian society, and the national interest. The introduction of Bahasa Indonesia into the linguistic ecology of Australian schools is an agent of intellectual enrichment for young Australians and equips them for prosperous working lives in the internationalised work cycle of Asia Pacific. Furthermore, Indonesian language is of the utmost importance to achieving subregional security and development as well as culturally embedding Australia with its neighbours. Thus, the paper evaluates present approaches to promote Indonesian languages. The reinvigoration of Indonesian language study needs greater investment into a range of areas including Indonesian language teaching in the early childhood/primary years; increased rigour and access to suitable testing systems; deeper institutional linkages and study abroad; and increased investment in teaching materials and teacher training. Through this more systematic approach to bolstering the study of Bahasa Indonesia, policymakers can secure a more prosperous future for the citizens of both countries and help realise a greater stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.