Indonesian for foreign speakers

During the Fourth International Conference of Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (KIPBIPA IV), which took place recently in Bali, I noticed a great deal of progress, both in content as well as the choice of location.

Currently, the teaching of the Indonesian language to foreign speakers has altered substantially, not just in method but also context. Students are now not only taught the necessary skills to interact with Indonesian culture but are also encouraged to develop an awareness and sensitivity toward local culture.

Today's latest technology also plays an important role, as can be seen in the increasing number of courses available on CD ROM or on the Internet.

Dr. Dendy Sugono, head of a language center, commented that foreigners working in Indonesia should learn the language, as it was impossible to teach English to the entire population of Indonesia.

During the conference, I Gede Ardika, Minister of Culture and Tourism, stated that the future holds interesting challenges, especially in relation to the coming era of free trade and globalization. We should respond positively to the government's offer to establish a language-cum-cultural center in foreign countries. Initially, Australia seems most likely, because of its proximity and the advances it has made in the teaching of the Indonesian language.

Another speaker, Andrea Corston, mesmerized the audience with his topic: A demonstration of CD ROM for the teaching of the Indonesian language. It was admirable due to the entertaining way the teaching of our language was packaged by these foreigners.

This should make us realize that it is quite possible -- that is if we do not value the treasures of our culture -- that we ourselves could become students of these foreigners when it comes to playing the gamelan, batik painting and even learning our own language in the next five to fifteen years.

We must do our best so that we can be the masters of our own home and not just mere spectators. Already politically and economically we are being arranged by other countries, hence the only asset we can honestly be proud of is our language.

I commend the minister's offer above and my own contribution is a book on the teaching of the Indonesian language to foreigners, which bears the recommendations of Prof. Dr. J. S. Badudu and Katharine Campbell, a staff member of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

GUSRIZAL SYAM

Jakarta