Why Learning Indonesian Is Important for International Students
If you’re studying, interning, or participating in a student exchange programme in Indonesia, you’re bound to hear words like ‘thank you,’ ‘excuse me,’ or ‘let’s eat first.’ You might just smile back at first, but after a while you’ll find yourself wanting to know more: ‘What does it mean?’ Well, from that little curiosity, many international students end up falling in love with the Indonesian language. It’s a language that sounds friendly, full of expression, and has a unique way of conveying feelings.
While many Indonesians can speak a little English, you’ll notice a big difference when you start speaking Indonesian – even if it’s just a sentence or two. Suddenly the locals are warmer, the conversation feels more personalised, and you feel more connected to life around you. Indonesian becomes a key to opening doors of experience that were previously closed.
In this article, we will discuss why learning Indonesian is so important from the perspective of international students who have studied (and are currently studying) in Indonesia. From practical and social reasons to long-term benefits for their studies and careers. So if you’re still hesitant to start learning Indonesian, hopefully after reading this you’ll be more convinced and excited! 🇮🇩✨✨
A. Indonesian is Practical and Easy to Learn
Unlike other languages such as Mandarin or Arabic which have special writing characters, Indonesian uses Latin letters and does not have verb conjugation like English or French. There are no word changes for tense, gender, or plurals. For example, the verb ‘makan’ remains ‘makan’ for all subjects and times. This makes the sentence structure simpler and easier for beginners to understand.
Many international students mention that they can pronounce basic sentences in Indonesian faster than in other languages. They say it’s enough to learn a few key words and simple patterns, and you’ll be able to have daily conversations!
B. Improve Social Interaction and Connection with Local People
Language is not just about communication, it’s also about building relationships. When you can greet a local in Indonesian-even if it’s a simple greeting-you’ll immediately get a warm and friendly response. Indonesians really appreciate the efforts of foreigners who try to use their language, even if they stammer.
Foreign students who have learned Indonesian find it easier to form friendships with campus friends, boarding house neighbours, or even motorcycle taxi drivers. Initially awkward interactions turn intimate because of the ‘common language’. This is very helpful for building social networks and a sense of comfort while living in Indonesia.
C. Easier to Adjust to Daily Life
Learning Indonesian also helps international students adapt to daily life. From buying food, taking public transport, going to traditional markets, to understanding lecturer instructions or campus information.
Without language, many things can feel confusing. But with Indonesian language skills, you become more independent and don’t always rely on friends or translators. Foreign students call this the ‘freedom’ of living in Indonesia.
D. Getting to Know Indonesian Culture Deeper
B Language and culture are inseparable. As you learn Indonesian, you will also get to know the way of thinking, manners, humour and customs of the Indonesian people. For example, the words ‘excuse me’, ‘thank you’, or ‘sorry’ are not just formal utterances, but reflect the value of politeness in the local culture.
Some international students felt that learning Indonesian helped them understand the cultural context when attending traditional ceremonies, local festivals, or interactions in host families. They can sing along to local songs, understand folklore, and even write poetry or rhymes!
E. Supporting Future Studies and Careers
For those of you planning to continue your studies or work in Indonesia, Indonesian language skills are an important investment. Many universities, research institutions and local companies are looking for foreign candidates who can speak Indonesian. Even if you’re just looking to do research or a community project, the language will be a huge help.
Foreign students who have participated in Bahasa Indonesia for Speakers of Other Languages (BIPA) programmes in Indonesia feel they are better prepared for the academic or working world. Some of them
F. Banyak Program Beasiswa dan Dukungan Belajar
The Indonesian government through programmes such as Darmasiswa and Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship, as well as many universities, provide scholarships to study Indonesian language and culture. With the BIPA programme, you can learn Indonesian from professional teachers with a curriculum specifically designed for foreign speakers.
Foreign students can also get a certificate of Indonesian language proficiency, which will be useful for future study or job applications.
G. An Unforgettable Life Experience
Learning Indonesian is not just about learning words and grammar. It’s a life experience that brings you into the lives of colourful Indonesians. You can participate in campus events, social communities, and even travel to different regions while chatting directly with locals.
Many international students say, ‘Once I can speak a little Indonesian, I feel more “alive” in Indonesia.’ They are not just spectators, but also part of the story.
Let’s Learn Indonesian with Fun
Learning Indonesian is not just about understanding words or grammar, but also about understanding the way Indonesians think, interact and celebrate life. International students who learn Indonesian often feel more accepted and find it easier to build connections with the local community. In fact, many of them claim that learning the language has made their stay in Indonesia a much warmer and more meaningful experience.
If you want to start learning Indonesian from the basics, Telkom University Language Centre provides a BIPA Basic programme that is perfect for beginners. The programme consists of three levels (Basic 1, 2, and 3), 60 learning hours each, and is focused on everyday communication relevant to real life in Indonesia. You will not only learn the language, but also interact directly with local culture, cuisine, and customs through fun and applicable activities. Register now through the official BIPA Basic Tel-U website and start your learning journey the fun way!
For those of you who are already fluent and want to move on to a more academic level – perhaps because you want to study abroad in Indonesia – you can take the BIPA Academic programme. Consisting of three advanced levels (Academic 1, 2 and 3), this programme is designed to help you write, discuss and understand academic texts in Indonesian. This programme is highly recommended for international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Indonesia. Let’s improve your skills even further by joining BIPA Academic Tel-U and achieve your learning goals with professional tutors and comprehensive materials.
Penulis: Pusat Bahasa Tel-U | Editor: Auliya Rahman P | Foto: Pusat Bahasa Tel-U
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