Indonesian for foreign speakers

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