Do People Speak English In Indonesia? – Major Lingual Facts!

Learning the English language is a great tool to have in modern times. Hence most countries have English as the official language, but do people speak English in Indonesia?

Various factors can help in the promotion of a language in any country. These features can be geographical, historical or Global influence etc.

Do People Speak English In Indonesia?

English is widely spoken among the educated population of Indonesia. That is especially true in cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya.

English is used as a lingua franca between people who do not share a common language.

Even though Indonesian is the country’s official national language, many people will respond to simple English conversations, as most have studied it in school.

Depending on the region and the level of education, English proficiency ranges from basic to advanced.

With the growth of tourism, more and more people in Indonesia are becoming accustomed to speaking English as a way to do business.

In some areas, locals may even speak better English than Indonesian.

There are also several international schools located throughout the country that provide an excellent education in English as well.

Many expat communities across the country use English as their primary language for communication.

Overall, Indonesia is an incredibly diverse nation with many different languages spoken.

While English is not the official language, you can enjoy a great conversation with locals as long as you do your best to learn some basic Indonesian phrases and words.

Languages Spoken In Indonesia

While Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia, several other languages are spoken in various parts of the country.

These include Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Minangkabau, and many more.

Each region also has its accent and dialect, so it can sometimes be difficult to understand locals.

Although English is not the official language of Indonesia, it is widely spoken and understood.

That can be attributed to the fact that many Indonesians are educated in English.

Most study English from an early age. That means many people speak English fairly well, especially those living in urban areas.

How Widely Is English Spoken In Indonesia?

Although English is widely spoken, it is less popular than the local languages. As a result, most Indonesians do not know any English or may only know a few words.

That means that if you are traveling to Indonesia and do not speak the local language, you will have to communicate with people who understand English.

However, some businesses have English-speaking staff, and there are some locations where it is possible to find people who speak English fluently.

For example, in cities such as Jakarta and Bali, you will likely encounter more English speakers compared to rural areas.

Overall, it is important to remember that only some in Indonesia speak English.

So if you plan to visit, it is best to research beforehand and brush up on your Indonesian language skills.

This way, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the country.

Regardless of whether or not people speak English in Indonesia, it is always important to respect local culture and customs when traveling abroad.

What Percentage Of Indonesians Can Speak English?

According to a survey by The British Council, around 30% of Indonesians have some proficiency in English.

That is much lower than in other countries in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines and Singapore.

However, it is still higher than in other countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

In urban areas such as Jakarta or Bali, you can expect to find a higher percentage of people who can communicate in English.

In less developed areas, the percentage drops significantly. So, if you travel to Indonesia its better to stick to the urdan area.

What Is the Standard Of English In Indonesia?

The level of English in Indonesia varies greatly. Many people can communicate in basic, conversational English but need a stronger grasp of grammar and spelling.

It is possible to find people who can converse fluently with native-level proficiency, particularly those who have been educated at international schools or lived in English-speaking countries.

However, these are still relatively uncommon. That is because, while English is a compulsory subject in school, the emphasis is on understanding rather than fluency.

Role Of The English Language In The Schools Of Indonesia

English is taught in all schools and most universities throughout Indonesia.

It is one of the core subjects on the curriculum, along with mathematics and science.

In addition, English proficiency is tested in national examinations at junior and senior high school levels.

Students must do well in these tests to be accepted into tertiary education courses.

Although English is widely taught, it is often not as well-understood as the native language of Bahasa Indonesia.

If you plan to travel to and work in Indonesia, learning some basic Bahasa Indonesia will be essential for daily communication.

Traveling And Tourism Industry In Indonesia

Although most people do not speak English in Indonesia, it is widely used in tourism and hospitality.

Most hotels and restaurants will have staff that is at least able to communicate using basic English phrases, so you should be fine if you stick to tourist areas.

Finally, if you plan on traveling to Indonesia, take some time to familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of the country.

Knowing some local customs can help you get around more easily and make your travel experience much smoother.

What Cities In Indonesia Have The Most English Speakers?

The cities with the highest concentration of English speakers in Indonesia are Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung.

That is because these cities have well-developed tourism industries and a high number of international companies that require their staff to be able to speak English.

However, if you venture away from these urban areas, expect to find many people who need to speak English.

That is because English is not the official language of Indonesia and is only widely spoken in areas with a large expatriate population or businesses that require English-speaking employees.

In general, do expect to find more English speakers in bigger cities, especially around tourist hot spots where international visitors are common.

Let us look at the major cities in Indonesia where English is most spoken.

1. Do People Speak English In Bali?

Bali is the largest tourist destination. Each year many tourists visit Bali for its beaches and nightlife.

Therefore, most of the native people in Bali do understand English.

English is the most widely spoken language on the island, with many locals understanding and speaking it fluently.

As a result, do expect to find plenty of people who speak English in Bali.

In addition, residents have been exposed to more tourists than in other parts of Indonesia, so they are accustomed to speaking with foreigners who do not understand Indonesian.

2. Do People Speak English In Jakarta?

Jakarta is the capital and largest city in Indonesia, so naturally, it is a popular destination for tourists and business people.

Like Bali, English has become more widely used in the city due to the influx of travelers worldwide.

Generally speaking, many locals do understand at least some English. However, do expect to hear more Indonesian than English spoken on the streets of Jakarta.

3. Do People Speak English In Surabaya?

Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia and a popular destination for travelers.

As with other cities in Indonesia, do not expect to hear English spoken on the streets of Surabaya as widely as you would elsewhere.

However, be aware that many locals understand at least some basic English and have no problem conversing with visitors.

Consequently, do not be put off by the language barrier, English is widely spoken in most businesses, restaurants, tourist attractions, and hotels throughout Surabaya.

4. Do People Speak English In Bandung?

Bandung is a major city in Indonesia and the capital of West Java. English is not widely spoken on Bandung’s streets. Many locals need help understanding basic English.

English speakers can usually find someone to communicate with when necessary, either at tourist attractions or restaurants.

Additionally, many businesses do have employees who can communicate in English.

Nevertheless, learning some basic Indonesian phrases for communicating with locals is always useful.

Can You Travel To Bali With Just Speaking English?

English is widely spoken in Bali, so it is possible to travel there without the knowledge of the local language.

Most locals understand basic English, and most tourist areas have staff who can communicate in the language.

However, it can be useful to learn some Indonesian phrases, as this will make interacting with locals much easier.

It is also important to remember that English is not the official language of Indonesia, and many locals prefer to communicate in their native tongue.

Additionally, some traditional ceremonies and rituals may require an understanding of Indonesian culture and language to fully appreciate them.

Therefore, doing a bit of research before traveling can be useful.

Can You Live In Indonesia By Just Speaking English?

It is possible to live in Indonesia by speaking English, although it may be more difficult since English is not the official language.

The number of people who do speak English is increasing, but they are still outnumbered by those who do not.

In addition, some areas of Indonesia need an established infrastructure for teaching and supporting English, so finding someone who speaks the language can be challenging.

However, many schools, universities, and other educational institutions offer English as a second language.

Additionally, some businesses have staff who can communicate in English to help visitors get around.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, to answer the question of do people speak English in Indonesia, the answer is yes, but it is less widespread than in other countries.

Therefore, it is necessary to research before traveling to ensure that there are people who can communicate with you in English.

While English is not widely spoken in Indonesia, English speakers can be found if you search for it.

Some schools and universities offer classes and businesses that employ people who speak the language.

Additionally, many areas of the country have an infrastructure to help visitors find someone to communicate with in English.