Future Students

Indonesian

Some students are fascinated by the people and culture of Indonesia, while others are more focused on the fact that Indonesia is a country with more than ten times the population of Australia, massive natural resources and the potential to become a major economic power.

Indonesia and Australia are becoming increasingly involved with each other through trade, investment, tourism and education, as well as cultural exchange and personal relationships.

Indonesian is a relatively easy language to learn, at least at the beginners’ level. It uses the roman script and is simple to spell and pronounce. It developed as the language of maritime trade, so is peppered with colourful words from Arabic, Portuguese, English and Dutch.

Learn to speak it and you gain access to a rich and vibrant society.

You can study Indonesian within the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) or the Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies). This includes combined courses which include these degrees. Students who are native-speakers of Indonesian or Malay(sian), or who have had all or part of their education in Indonesian or Malay(sian) are not currently admitted to the Indonesian program.

It is possible to study a Diploma of Modern Languages concurrently with UWA undergraduate courses that do not otherwise allow language study. If you would like to study a Diploma of Modern Languages you must meet the University’s entry requirements for the degree you plan to study. After being admitted to the Faculty concerned you may then apply to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for entry to the Diploma with the approval of your home Faculty.

The Indonesian program offers an Indonesian major as well as a fourth-year honours program. Indonesian is taught in two streams, one for beginners and the other for those who have done TEE Indonesian (Second Language) or equivalent. Beginners’ level units cover basic language and communication skills with reference to everyday situations in Indonesia such as greetings, self-introduction, hobbies, and eating out.

Intermediate level units cover more advanced language skills including letter writing, comprehending newspaper articles and expressing ideas about familiar social topics.

Advanced and Specialist level units allow you to develop a wide range of language skills including translation and the use of colloquial Indonesian. Students of Indonesian are strongly encouraged to enrol in units on Indonesian culture and society offered by Asian Studies. These units deal with such topics as Indonesia’s political history as well as debates about cultural and social issues including minority rights, film, literature, and education.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Indonesian program at UWA have been much in demand, particularly those with in-country experience. Recent job offers include federal and state government departments, the UN, the World Bank and a wide range of organisations in private industry as well as community organisations.