Learning Bahasa Indonesia was the gateway that turned my initial desire to communicate with others into what now has become a profound, lifelong passion for both the language and the rich tapestry of the culture it represents. In the beginning of my journey, speaking even just a little opened doors to experiences with people throughout the archipelago I never could have imagined.
Today I'm reasonably fluent in everyday Bahasa Indonesia, although I'm still
learning and always will be.
Below are some of the courses and resources
that supported me along the way. There is no right or wrong way to learn a language, it's about finding what works for you to connect to our nearest neighbours.
If you have any questions about any of my experiences I am more than happy to help.
BBIP is where I first started my in-person classes in Perth. It is where I learned the basics which grounded me for simple yet helpful conversations and understanding of cultural nuances. The classes also introduced me to the vastness and richness of culture and people in Indonesia. Who knew there was so much goodness to the north of our wide brown land?
This app is where I made significant gains in my Indonesian whilst still living in Australia. It connects you direct to teachers in Indonesia and you can work classes into your personal schedule. It's great for all levels, but particularly good if you want speaking practice with native speakers.
Here is a referal link which gives both you and I credit if you choose to use it.
Below are italki teachers I have worked with and comfortably recommend:
Kicklub Indonesia Culture Club Perth
This is a small group of adult intermediate-level Indonesian learners in Perth led by Indonesian song writer and cultural consultant Ibu Wieke Gur (who happens to be my very first Indonesian teacher) who gather in a relaxed style to learn Indonesian speaking, reading, writing and culture. They host a
Substack account for their learnings and writings in Bahasa Indonesia and encourage other learners to also contribute (maybe that's you!)
If you're curious about this group, please
connect with me and I can pass on details.
I spent a week in Sleman doing an intensive language course, made a little more intensive with my homestay a short walk from the centre. My home mother was keen to fill me with all manner of Indonesian breakfast foods the moment I opened my bedroom door and spent an hour chatting with me before I went to class. You do not have to homestay, and they offer an array of classes. A wonderful opportunity to visit Yogyakarta and learn whilst there.
There are various books I can point you to that I have used over the years but none that will replace the value of classes and speaking with native speakers. I feel like books are good supplements. However, if you happen to be in Indonesia and can pick up some good children's books or texts (I've used a few school books and am currently reading a young adult novel), they will give you a good sense of how the language is used in a less formal manner. Us foreigners (bule - pronounced 'boolay') tend to sound kinda weird when we use really formal language.
A couple personal notes on things that have helped me. If you're going to buy an English/Indonesian dictionary, buy one that is intended for Indonesian readers - the definitions more accurately reflect cultural subtleties, plus you'll be exposed to Indonesian words and layout in the context of a book.
Get comfortable with making mistakes! The more mistakes you make, the faster you'll learn (I've thoroughly tested this one) Your efforts will be appreciated!
