Australia Increases Budget for Indonesian Language Studies, Embracing 'Oke Gas' Slogan

Australian Member of Parliament Tim Watts has announced that the Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is increasing the budget for Indonesian language studies in Australia. During his announcement, Watts also utilised the phrase ‘Oke gas’, a slogan closely associated with President Prabowo Subianto during his 2024 campaign.

According to his official Instagram account, the federal government has agreed on a budget of AUD 11.4 million (approximately IDR 145 billion) for Indonesian language education in Australia. This allocation is part of a total AUD 33.2 million earmarked for the implementation of the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“There is no partner more important to Australia than Indonesia, and there is no partner more important for Australia to understand than Indonesia. Without intervention, the teaching of the Indonesian language in Australia would face extinction by the next Parliament term,” Watts wrote.

In an uploaded video, Watts quoted the speech of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo, during his visit to Australia, as well as the ‘Oke gas’ (Let’s Go) slogan. He noted that the relationship between Indonesia and Australia has entered a new chapter, emphasizing that Australians must understand Indonesia, particularly through its language.

He stated that the Albanese government’s budget this year has allocated AUD 33.2 million to support the implementation of the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which includes AUD 11.4 million for enhancing Indonesian language education and AUD 3.4 million to establish the Australia-Indonesia Leadership Dialogue.

Watts highlighted that linguistic understanding is vital for strengthening bilateral ties, especially as the number of universities and schools teaching Indonesian in Australia has been declining. Furthermore, the government is providing additional scholarships for Australian students to study the Indonesian language directly in Indonesia, a move he described as a strategic investment.

Watts also recounted his recent visit to Solo, the hometown of former President Jokowi and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. He mentioned meeting young Indonesian leaders during the visit, including Solo Mayor Respati Ardi and Prince Mangkunegara X, to gain deeper insights into the nation.