Australian Outlook

In this section

Is Teaching Formal Indonesian Still Relevant?

16 Sep 2024
By Andrew Catton
Students at a school in Jakarta. Source: Sekolah Tarsisius 1 Jakarta Flickr / https://t.ly/TUF44

As students navigate a rapidly evolving linguistic environment, many wonder if the rigid structure of formal Indonesian holds up. Could it be more of a barrier than a bridge in modern Indonesian education?

The focus on teaching Bahasa Baku (formal Indonesian) in classrooms has often been met with debate, especially given the diversity of the language as spoken across Indonesia. Indonesian language use varies widely depending on region, with each area incorporating local dialects and slang, such as Bahasa Betawi in Jakarta, or Javanese and Sundanese influences in Yogyakarta and Bandung. This regional diversity raises questions about whether teaching the more formal Bahasa Baku remains relevant in today’s educational context.

One of the primary concerns is that Bahasa Baku may feel out of place in everyday conversations. Students learning this formal version of Indonesian might sound overly “stilted” when compared to the more casual, informal language used by native speakers. In cities like Jakarta, where Bahasa Gaul mixes rapidly with English and slang, or in places like Yogyakarta, where Javanese phrases blend with Indonesian, Bahasa Baku might seem disconnected from the language that students encounter in real-world settings.

However, despite these challenges, Bahasa Baku remains crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it offers a consistent, standard form of the language that is understood nationwide. This is particularly important in a country as linguistically diverse as Indonesia, where local dialects and languages shift significantly from one region to the next. In places like Medan, Sumatra, for example, a blend of Batak, Minangkabau, and Bahasa Indonesia is spoken, creating a unique regional variation. Similarly, in Sulawesi, Makassarese and Buginese languages influence everyday communication. Despite these regional differences, Bahasa Baku serves as a common, unifying form of communication across all areas​.

Teaching formal Indonesian ensures that students can communicate effectively no matter where they are in Indonesia. While they may sound more formal than native speakers using regional dialects or slang, they will still be understood. This is particularly useful in professional or academic settings, where formal Indonesian is required. Official documents, media, and government communications all use Bahasa Baku, making it essential for those who want to engage with Indonesia beyond casual conversations.

Another advantage of teaching Bahasa Baku is that it provides a stable linguistic foundation. Unlike slang or regional dialects, which can evolve rapidly, Bahasa Baku remains relatively constant. Students who learn only regional slang or informal Indonesian might find themselves struggling to keep up as these expressions fall out of fashion or change. In contrast, Bahasa Baku provides a reliable, long-term language skill that students can build upon as they explore more casual or regional forms of the language.

Furthermore, Bahasa Baku equips learners with the flexibility to adapt to regional variations as they encounter them. Once students have mastered the formal structure of Indonesian, they can more easily navigate the linguistic shifts that occur between regions. For instance, in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), a mix of Indonesian, local languages, and dialects creates a distinct linguistic environment. A speaker proficient in Bahasa Baku would still be able to communicate effectively, even if the local population incorporates regional phrases or expressions into their speech​.

Similarly, in regions like West Java, where Sundanese heavily influences spoken Indonesian, Bahasa Baku provides a foundation for learners to understand and adapt to these local variations without losing the core grammatical structures of the language.

Moreover, teaching Bahasa Baku supports students in engaging with formal, written Indonesian. From newspapers and official documents to textbooks and academic papers, formal Indonesian remains the standard. Without a strong grasp of Bahasa Baku, students would struggle to access these resources or communicate in professional and academic environments. This formality, while potentially awkward in casual conversations, ensures that learners are prepared to engage with Indonesia on a broader scale.

While regional dialects and slang are undeniably a part of the Indonesian linguistic landscape, focusing on Bahasa Baku offers students a versatile and practical tool for communication. Rather than becoming quickly outdated or irrelevant, Bahasa Baku provides a stable foundation that allows students to communicate across regions and adapt to the evolving nature of the language. In a country as diverse as Indonesia, the formal version of the language remains a vital bridge across its many linguistic landscapes.

Andrew Catton is an Educational Content Specialist at Pondok Bahasa and a registered teacher with a passion for creating engaging Indonesian language resources. Drawing on his teaching experience, he develops practical and culturally rich content, including cinematic videos, to help Australian students connect with Indonesia in meaningful ways.

This article is published under a Creative Commons License and may be republished with attribution.