More opportunities for Aussies to learn Indonesian

Antara ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 06/04/2008 1:55 PM  |  Education

The Australian Government has announced a $62.4 million dollar funding increase for its Asian languages program, including Indonesia so as to provide greater opportunities for Australian students to understand and engage with the region.

The new National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools program will from January 2009 support additional Asian languages classes in high schools, teacher training and support, and specialist curricula for students who display advanced abilities in Asian languages and studies.

Meanwhile Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, warmly welcomed the new program and said it would allow more young Australians to learn about Indonesia, its language, peoples and culture, and play an important role in enhancing people-to-people links.

"The Australian Government recognizes that one of the most important ways in which relationships in the region can be strengthened is by providing the best opportunity for young Australians to learn about Indonesia, its language, peoples and culture, and play an important role in enhancing people-to-people links.

"The Australian Government recognizes that one of the most important ways in which relationships in the region can be strengthened is by providing the best opportunity for young Australians to become familiar with the languages and cultures of Indonesia and other key Asian neighbors," Farmer said.

The additional funding, to be provided over the course of three years, was announced in the Federal Budget last month.

Indonesian has been taught at schools and universities in Australia for many years.

Earlier this year, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda visited a high school in Perth where he had a conversation in Bahasa Indonesia with Australian year 10 students learning Indonesian. (*)

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Brian Cellars (not verified) — Fri, 07/25/2008 - 3:29pm

I think it's great that the Australian government is once again emphasizing language learning in schools, and in particular, Asian languages. I think it's important to learn about one's neighbors and although English has become the 'world language', it is still extremely useful (and enjoyable!) to learn a foreign language. It's very easy to learn Indonesian, in fact it's probably the easiest language in the world to learn. I don't want make this sound like a plug, but if anyone is interested in learning Indonesian, please visit our site: www.bintangbahasa.com We're just trying to participate in a very worthwhile project.

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