Neglecting a rising Jakarta is a failure in any language

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

A recent parliamentary report reveals a sharp decline in Australian proficiency in Indonesian language and culture, raising concerns about the country's weakening engagement with its closest Asian neighbor. This decline threatens to undermine Australia’s economic and diplomatic relations with Indonesia unless bipartisan efforts are made to revitalize language education and cultural understanding.

Australia’s ability to engage effectively with its closest Asian neighbor, Indonesia, is facing a significant decline, according to a recent parliamentary report highlighting a drop in language and cultural competency across the country. The findings raise concerns about the long-term implications for bilateral relations and regional economic partnerships.

The report, titled Building Asia Capability in Australia, was released in June by a bipartisan parliamentary committee initiated by Education Minister Jason Clare and currently chaired by Tim Watts, a vocal advocate for stronger ties with Asia. It assesses Australia’s ongoing struggle to maintain consistent engagement with Indonesia and outlines practical recommendations to reverse the downward trend, which officials warn could undermine Australia’s strategic interests.

Despite the prominence of Indonesia in Australia’s regional priorities, the report reveals that interest and proficiency in the Indonesian language have diminished sharply. Currently, only about 5,000 of Australia’s one million domestic university students study Indonesian, a number lower than during the 1970s. Furthermore, enrollment in Indonesian language courses at the year 12 level has dropped from 1,160 in 2010 to just 486 in 2024. Without intervention, the report warns that Indonesian language teaching could become functionally extinct in Australia by 2031.

Lawmakers stress this decline has consequences beyond academics, affecting Australia’s capacity to engage with Indonesia economically and diplomatically. Proficiency in the language and understanding of cultural contexts are seen as critical for navigating Indonesian institutions, responding to regulatory changes, and building lasting business and government relationships.

This trend contrasts sharply with Indonesia’s approach. In his August State Address, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of early foreign language education, proposing that language instruction begin as early as the first grade. He highlighted a broad portfolio of languages as essential tools for enhancing global job competitiveness for Indonesian youth.

Critics of investing in Indonesian language education in Australia often cite the widespread use of English in Indonesia as a justification for deprioritizing language acquisition. However, this viewpoint is challenged by statements from two former Indonesian presidents, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, who have both encouraged Australian students to learn Indonesian to foster deeper and more authentic connections between the two nations.

The report underscores the need for a sustained, bipartisan approach to strengthening Australia’s Asia capability beyond episodic engagement tied to crises or political visits. Experts warn that neglecting this issue risks missing opportunities to build the kind of enduring partnership that could anchor economic and diplomatic collaboration in the decades ahead. As Australia faces various global challenges, fostering a more profound understanding of Indonesia is viewed as essential to securing its future regional standing.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.