IndonesianEnglish

Indonesian English refers to the varieties of English used by Indonesians and in Indonesian contexts. It is not an official dialect but a form shaped by contact between English and Bahasa Indonesia and regional languages. The term covers English used by learners, professionals, media, and in schools, as well as informal speech in daily life.

English is the most widely taught foreign language in Indonesia, with widespread exposure through schooling, media, and business. While proficiency varies by region and socioeconomic factors, English plays a key role in higher education, tourism, and global commerce. Indonesian policy generally promotes bilingual competence, and English is commonly used in higher education and government communications alongside Bahasa Indonesia.

Linguistic features: Indonesian English often shows influence from Bahasa Indonesia in pronunciation, syntax, and word choice. Common phonological tendencies include simplification of final consonants and vowel qualities influenced by Indonesian phonology. Grammatically, speakers may omit or misapply articles and verb tense, reflecting Indonesian grammar. Lexical influences include Indonesian loanwords and calques, as well as code-switching between Indonesian and English in conversation and media.

Variation: Urban centers such as Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya typically exhibit higher exposure to English and more fluent speech, while rural areas show less. Distinct registers emerge in education, journalism, and business, and there are also English varieties tied to specific institutions and media outlets.

Research and perception: Indonesian English is studied within the broader field of World Englishes, with attention to teaching, assessment, and policy. Debates focus on the role of English in Indonesian identity, national language planning, and access to global opportunities.