English in Multicultural and Multilingual Indonesian Education

Abstract

The national language policy issue in Indonesia is an intricate phenomenon. The problem is ampli fi ed by the fact that the Indonesian language of fi cially functions as the state-unifying language and that there exist hundreds of local languages. In addition, foreign languages, especially English, are positioned as an indispensable tool in global competition and cooperation through the utilization of science and technology as well as trade, commerce and other human-interaction activities. Therefore, English teachers in Indonesia are very much aware that they belong to the global community, one characterised by varied transactions in domains like eco- nomics, communications, transportation, and politics. In response to the challenge of English language pro fi ciency, improvement of education has, in terms of policy, been translated into using English in schools, despite all the pros and cons, includ- ing the use of English as a medium of instruction. Against this backdrop, this chapter will discuss issues and practices pertaining to English as a foreign language in Indonesian education.