Expat's defense<\/p>\n
Clearly my letter, written in response to Sari Setiogi's
\narticle on the government's proposal to mandate language
\nproficiency tests in Bahasa Indonesian fired debate among readers
\nof The Jakarta Post, as did the proposal itself.<\/p>\n
Most notably, Jacobson and Sastrowardoyo (the Post, Aug. 29)
\nwould probably be surprised that I agree with many of their
\npoints. I agree with Anthony Jacobson that indeed far too many
\nexpatriates live here for years in a bubble, without a command of
\nthe language beyond nasi goreng (fried rice). Subsequently, they
\ndo miss out on a great deal, as being able to speak Bahasa can
\nbring them closer to their host country's people and culture.<\/p>\n
I would also agree with Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo that "more and
\nmore expatriates are trying to master the Indonesian language"
\nand have, thankfully, moved on from a colonial era. Far from
\nbeing akin to the "Last of the Mohicans"... I think my Bahasa
\ngoes well beyond instructions on "how to clean dirty underwear".
\nBut, it didn't take a mandatory proficiency test to encourage me
\nto take up regular lessons and attend two language courses in
\nYogjakarta seven years ago. The richness of the culture, and the
\npeople of Indonesia made that a priority.<\/p>\n
Rather, my bone of contention with the proposal was on the
\nissues of procedure and priority. Are language proficiency tests
\nand an expectation of fluency in Bahasa -- before workers or
\nstudents enter the country -- realistic right now? Will they
\nreally achieve the desired result, to boost foreign investment in
\nIndonesia? Is this the time to instigate what might prove to be
\nanother deterrent -- rather than an incentive -- to move to
\nIndonesia when international confidence is low? These are the big
\nissues that are concerning about the proposal.<\/p>\n
CATHY JONES
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bexpats-defenseb-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}