Expat's defense

Expat's defense

Clearly my letter, written in response to Sari Setiogi's
article on the government's proposal to mandate language
proficiency tests in Bahasa Indonesian fired debate among readers
of The Jakarta Post, as did the proposal itself.

Most notably, Jacobson and Sastrowardoyo (the Post, Aug. 29)
would probably be surprised that I agree with many of their
points. I agree with Anthony Jacobson that indeed far too many
expatriates live here for years in a bubble, without a command of
the language beyond nasi goreng (fried rice). Subsequently, they
do miss out on a great deal, as being able to speak Bahasa can
bring them closer to their host country's people and culture.

I would also agree with Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo that "more and
more expatriates are trying to master the Indonesian language"
and have, thankfully, moved on from a colonial era. Far from
being akin to the "Last of the Mohicans"... I think my Bahasa
goes well beyond instructions on "how to clean dirty underwear".
But, it didn't take a mandatory proficiency test to encourage me
to take up regular lessons and attend two language courses in
Yogjakarta seven years ago. The richness of the culture, and the
people of Indonesia made that a priority.

Rather, my bone of contention with the proposal was on the
issues of procedure and priority. Are language proficiency tests
and an expectation of fluency in Bahasa -- before workers or
students enter the country -- realistic right now? Will they
really achieve the desired result, to boost foreign investment in
Indonesia? Is this the time to instigate what might prove to be
another deterrent -- rather than an incentive -- to move to
Indonesia when international confidence is low? These are the big
issues that are concerning about the proposal.

CATHY JONES
Jakarta