Australian schools and universities are rapidly phasing out Indonesian language programs, with data from the Australian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Education indicating a 75 percent decrease in university registrations for Southeast Asian language studies between 2005 and 2024. The trend, which experts warn could lead to the functional extinction of Indonesian language studies in Australia by 2031, is driven by shifting curriculum priorities, the rise of AI translation tools, and a perceived lack of importance among students and parents.
The Decline of Indonesian Language Programs in Australian Schools
Prestigious institutions are leading a trend of program closures. Essington School in Darwin, which previously maintained a long-standing student exchange partnership with SMA 10 Padang, announced it will terminate its Indonesian program at the end of the first semester of 2025. A spokesperson for the school stated the decision followed a “thorough review of curriculum priorities, parent feedback, and student engagement.”
This follows a similar move by Scotch College in Melbourne, which shuttered its Indonesian program earlier in 2025. Bayu Prihantoro, who worked as an assistant teacher at Scotch, noted that while a vast majority of students were enthusiastic about the language, the program was abruptly removed from the curriculum. Data indicates that the number of Australian higher education institutions offering Indonesian language courses has dwindled from 22 to just 13 over the past two decades, according to the Australia Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS).
Did you know?
In the mid-1990s, under Prime Minister Paul Keating, Indonesian language study in Victoria saw a surge in popularity, with the number of learners doubling from 493 in 1995 to over a thousand in 2001. Keating viewed the language as a vital strategic asset for Australia.
Why Interest in Indonesian Language Studies is Waning
Experts cite a complex mix of ideological and practical reasons for the decline. Silvy Wantania, President of the Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers Association (VILTA), suggests that many Australians view Indonesia primarily as a holiday destination rather than a geopolitical or economic priority. “Many people don’t think Indonesia is important; they just like to go to Bali for vacation,” Wantania said.
Academic perspectives offer further nuance. Wira Kurniawati, a lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), points to historical shocks like the Bali bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic as contributors to the decline. Additionally, the widespread English proficiency among Indonesians reduces the perceived urgency for Australians to learn the local language. Alistair Welsh, a lecturer at Deakin University, argues that the closures are often “ideological,” noting instances where schools replace Indonesian with French despite having the staffing capacity to continue the former.
The Risks of Strategic Disengagement
Professor Michael Ewing of the University of Melbourne warns that Australia risks being left behind in regional discourse. While some assume English is sufficient for communication, research suggests that only about 5% of Indonesians are truly fluent in English. Ewing cautions that relying solely on English puts Australians at a disadvantage in business negotiations, where native speakers often dominate and fail to accommodate non-native participants.
The parliamentary committee heard that if current trends persist, the ability of the next generation of Australians to engage deeply with their nearest neighbor will be severely compromised.
Pro Tip: Making Language Learning Relevant
To reverse these trends, educators such as VILTA’s Silvy Wantania suggest moving beyond traditional testing. By integrating Indonesian with other subjects like biology and geography, and leveraging popular media, schools can help students find a practical “why” for their studies, similar to how interest in Japanese is often driven by manga and anime.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are schools closing Indonesian programs? Schools cite curriculum priorities, parent feedback, and a perceived lack of student interest, though some experts argue the decisions are ideologically driven.
- Will AI replace the need to learn Indonesian? The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education noted that some stakeholders believe AI translation will negate the need for language study, though academics argue this ignores the cultural nuances required for effective diplomacy.
- How many universities still teach Indonesian? According to ACICIS, only 13 Australian higher education institutions offered Indonesian language programs as of 2023, down from 22 two decades ago.
What are your thoughts on the future of language education in the Indo-Pacific region? Share your views in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on international education trends.
Worth a look
