Indonesian

Watch now: To find out more about this curriculum area, watch ‘Understanding the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0, Indonesian’ on the Resources page.

Rationale and Aims

Rationale

Communication is a human imperative. Communication in Indonesian involves interaction to convey meaning, as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world. 

Learning Indonesian broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world. 

Learning Indonesian develops learners’: 

• communication skills 
• literacy skills in their first and additional languages 
• intercultural capabilities 
• understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives 
• understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity 
• critical and creative thinking. 

Indonesian has been the official and national language of Indonesia since the country’s independence. It is a language used throughout the Indonesian archipelago, which comprises over 17,000 islands. It is closely related to Malay and other variants used in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and southern Thailand. 

Contact has taken place between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of northern Australia and the peoples of the islands now known as Indonesia for several centuries, with the sharing of art, commerce, cuisine, culture and language. Indonesia is Australia’s largest neighbour in the South-East Asian region of the Asia-Pacific and therefore commercial, cultural and linguistic ties continue to be of great significance between the 2 countries.  

Indonesian has been taught in some Australian schools and universities since the 1950s. Relations between Indonesia and Australia continue to grow in the area of education as well as trade and cultural exchanges. Australia has a strong diplomatic presence in Indonesia and significant numbers of Australians travel to Indonesia for education, business and leisure. There is an increasing number of Indonesian-speaking communities across Australia.  

Learning Indonesian enhances students’ understanding of their own language(s) and develops their appreciation of the language and cultures of Indonesian-speaking communities. It also enriches travel experiences, increases employment opportunities, and promotes understanding of diverse attitudes, beliefs and values. 

Learning Indonesian provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications.  

Aims 

The 4 interrelated aims of the Indonesian language curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students: 

• communicate in Indonesian 
• understand the relationship between language and culture 
• develop intercultural capabilities 
• understand themselves as communicators.