The researchers argue that ASEAN still lacks a single language that truly represents the identity of Southeast Asia. English remains the dominant language for diplomacy, business, and official communication in the region, but it does not reflect ASEAN’s local culture and heritage.
According to the research team from Medan State Polytechnic, Indonesian offers a practical and culturally relevant alternative. It is already spoken by more than 270 million people in Indonesia and shares similarities with Malay, which is widely used in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and parts of southern Thailand.
That combination of large numbers, cultural familiarity, and ease of learning gives Indonesian an advantage over many other languages competing for influence in the region.
Why Indonesian Has Regional Potential
The study highlights several reasons Indonesian could expand beyond Indonesia’s borders and gain wider acceptance across ASEAN.
First, Indonesian is one of the most widely spoken languages in Southeast Asia. With more than 270 million speakers, it already has a large user base compared with many other regional languages.
Second, Indonesian has a relatively simple structure. Unlike English and many European languages, it does not rely on complicated verb changes or grammatical forms. This makes it easier for foreign learners to study and use in everyday communication.
The language also has a proven history as a unifying tool. Since the 1928 Youth Pledge, Indonesian has connected hundreds of ethnic groups and local languages inside Indonesia. The researchers believe this experience could serve as a model for regional integration in ASEAN.
Interest in Indonesian is also growing outside the country. Universities in several countries have opened Indonesian language programs, while the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers program, commonly known as BIPA, continues to expand internationally.
Digital media is creating even more opportunities. Indonesian-language films, music, social media content, podcasts, and online videos are increasingly reaching younger audiences across Southeast Asia.
“Indonesian is not only a communication tool but also a carrier of culture,” the researchers from Medan State Polytechnic wrote, noting that language can strengthen Indonesia’s cultural influence in ASEAN.
Major Challenges Remain
Despite its strengths, Indonesian still faces major obstacles before it can become a widely accepted ASEAN language.
The biggest challenge is the long-standing dominance of English. English is already deeply embedded in ASEAN institutions, education systems, diplomacy, and business communication.
Mandarin is another major competitor. China’s growing economic influence in Southeast Asia has encouraged more ASEAN countries to promote Mandarin for trade, investment, and education.
The researchers found that many countries tend to choose foreign languages based on economic benefits. Because of this, Indonesian must show clear practical value if it wants to compete with English and Mandarin.
ASEAN also does not currently have a common language policy. Each member country maintains its own national language system, making it difficult to establish a shared regional language.
Indonesia still faces internal challenges as well. The study notes that international promotion of Indonesian is uneven across ASEAN countries. There are still shortages of teachers, funding, learning materials, and long-term policy support.
The researchers also point to the limited presence of Indonesian in global digital spaces. Compared with English, Mandarin, Korean, or Japanese, Indonesian-language content is still less visible internationally.
Strategies to Strengthen Indonesian in ASEAN
The study outlines several practical strategies that could help Indonesian gain stronger regional influence.
One of the most important steps is expanding the BIPA program. More teachers, better learning materials, and wider access to Indonesian language classes could help increase the number of foreign speakers.
The researchers also recommend stronger language diplomacy. Indonesian could be promoted through cultural exchanges, student mobility programs, international conferences, and ASEAN forums.
Technology is another key factor. The study encourages Indonesia to invest more heavily in digital content, including films, music, online learning platforms, podcasts, games, and social media.
Young people are expected to play a central role in the spread of the language. The more Indonesian content ASEAN youth consume, the more familiar they become with the language.
The researchers also recommend:
- Expanding student and teacher exchange programs across ASEAN
- Increasing Indonesian language use in regional forums and cultural events
- Building stronger cooperation between governments and universities
- Providing larger government budgets for international language promotion
- Creating long-term national policies that support Indonesian language diplomacy
According to the Medan State Polytechnic researchers, these strategies must work together rather than separately. Education, diplomacy, technology, and government policy all need to support the same long-term goal.
Broader Impact for ASEAN
If Indonesian becomes more widely used in ASEAN, the effects could extend far beyond language.
The researchers believe it could strengthen Indonesia’s influence in the region through soft power. Language can help spread culture, values, education, and diplomacy without relying on political pressure.
A more widely used Indonesian language could also help ASEAN build a stronger regional identity. Communication between countries could become more efficient, while business, tourism, education, and cultural cooperation could become easier.
The study also points to possible economic benefits. A shared regional language could simplify trade, investment, and business negotiations across Southeast Asia.
In education, wider use of Indonesian could support more student exchanges, joint research projects, and academic collaboration between ASEAN universities.
The researchers caution that this process will not happen quickly. Building a regional language requires political commitment, long-term planning, and cooperation among ASEAN member states.
Still, the outlook remains positive. Sulaiman Ahmad and his colleagues believe Indonesian has the cultural roots, speaker base, and digital potential needed to become one of the most influential languages in Southeast Asia.
Author Profile
Sulaiman Ahmad is an academic at Medan State Polytechnic with expertise in language studies, education, and regional policy. He co-authored the study with Syahrudin Marpaung, Raina Rosanti, and Heddy, who are also affiliated with Medan State Polytechnic.
Source
Article Title: Strategy for The Internationalization of Indonesian As an ASEAN Language
Authors: Sulaiman Ahmad, Syahrudin Marpaung, Raina Rosanti, Heddy
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Applied Sciences (IJSAS)
Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsas.v4i3.366
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