Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language of Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,508 islands and the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, with a population nearing 242 million. Indonesia is known for its remarkable linguistic diversity, with over 300 native languages spoken across its regions, such as Java, Bali, and Sumatra. However, Bahasa Indonesia serves as a unifying language, enabling effective communication among Indonesia’s many ethnic groups.

While Bahasa Indonesia is the mother tongue for only about 7% of the population, it is spoken fluently as a second language by approximately 200 million Indonesians. It plays a crucial role in national cohesion by serving as the primary language for business, government administration, education, and mass media. From formal business exchanges to media broadcasts, Bahasa Indonesia is present in nearly all official and educational settings, underscoring its significance in national identity and communication.

Language Diversity and the Role of Bahasa Indonesia

Despite its unifying role, Indonesia’s linguistic landscape remains rich and varied. Major ethnic languages such as Javanese and Sundanese are widely spoken, and some ethnic Chinese communities continue to use Hokkien in Medan and Teochew in Pontianak. This diversity enriches Indonesia’s culture but also highlights the importance of Bahasa Indonesia in bridging communication gaps across regions.

In major urban centers and tourist destinations like Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, basic English is commonly understood, especially by hotel and airline staff who are trained to assist international visitors. However, for a more immersive experience, travelers are encouraged to learn some basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia.

Common Bahasa Indonesia Phrases for Travelers

Bahasa Indonesia is known for its relatively straightforward pronunciation, with each letter representing a consistent sound similar to the Latin alphabet, making it accessible for learners. Below are some useful phrases for travelers:

• Good Morning = Selamat Pagi
• Good Day = Selamat Siang
• Good Afternoon = Selamat Sore
• Good Evening / Good Night = Selamat Malam
• Goodbye = Selamat Tinggal
• How are you? = Apa Kabar
• I’m Fine / Good / Great = Baik-baik (in response to “Apa Kabar”)
• Excuse me = Permisi
• Sorry = Maaf
• Please = Silahkan
• Help! = Tolong!
• Thank You = Terima Kasih
• You’re Welcome = Terima Kasih Kembali
• Yes = Ya
• No = Tidak
• Mr / Sir = Bapak
• Ms / Madam = Ibu
• Miss = Nona
• How much / many? = Berapa
• How much is it (price)? = Berapa Harganya?
• Where is…? = Dimana….
• How to get there? = Bagaimana caranya kesana?
• I want… = Saya Mau…
• I don’t want… = Saya Tidak Mau…

The Written Form of Bahasa Indonesia

Another feature that simplifies learning Bahasa Indonesia is that it is written using the Latin alphabet. This choice, made to unify the population, has contributed to the accessibility and adaptability of the language, especially among young Indonesians and in academic institutions.

The Cultural Significance of Bahasa Indonesia

As the national language, Bahasa Indonesia is integral to Indonesia’s identity, providing a sense of unity across its diverse regions. While many Indonesians grow up bilingual or even trilingual, with Bahasa Indonesia and their local dialects or regional languages, the use of Bahasa Indonesia in formal settings fosters a collective national culture. By using this language, Indonesia celebrates both its diversity and its cohesion.