Teaching English in Indonesia during the Colonial Period and the Present

 By  A. Zamroni Sw.

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As an international language, English is an important language taught in educational institutions in Indonesia. Learning and teaching in Indonesia has been going on since the Dutch colonial era. The teaching of English as a foreign language in Indonesia has evolved over time and changes in policies. The teaching of English in the colonial era cannot be separated from the policies and interests of the colonial government.

During the reign of the Dutch East Indies, English language learning was provided at MULO (SMP level schools) and AMS (SMA level schools). At that time, apart from Dutch children, only certain indigenous children were allowed and able to attend schools at MULO and AMS. Most of the ordinary indigenous children only go to school up to SD level now. Education in the Dutch era, especially teaching in the field of language studies, was recognized as having sufficient quality so that MULO school graduates were generally able to communicate in English well. Apart from mastering English, students are also required to master Dutch as well as French or German (optional) and local languages ​​(Javanese or Malay).

When Japan came and occupied Indonesia, the teaching of English (as well as European languages) underwent drastic changes. Japan carries out a series of cleanups. They completely prohibit the use and teaching of Dutch, English and other European languages. Books and references in English, Dutch and European were muzzled. On the other hand, Japanese is used in society and is taught in schools intensively with the aim of making it a second language in Indonesia.

After Japan was expelled from Indonesia due to its defeat in World War II against the Allies, and Indonesia entered its independence era, English was taught again in schools. The decision to teach it back at school was issued by the government of the Republic of Indonesia. Through the Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in 1967, English is taught as a foreign language in Indonesian schools.

This marks the strengthening of English as a foreign language in the world of teaching and education in Indonesia. Along with changing times and the development of life, the Indonesian government and people are increasingly aware of the urgency of teaching English to Indonesian students. English is considered important to be mastered by the Indonesian people so that the Indonesian people are able to keep up with the development of world life because English is the main international language. The way that is considered the best and systematic so that English is mastered by Indonesian society (especially the younger generation) is to teach it in schools from an early age.