Emergency. Indonesian language studies at LaTrobe University face closure.

On Wednesday 11 November, La Trobe University announced that the teaching of a number of subjects in the Arts and Education faculties is no longer viable. One of the subjects facing closure is Indonesian which averted a similar threat in 2013. Can it survive this time?

Linda Sukamta (7th from the left) with her students celebrating the Indonesian Festival at Bundoora Campus, La Trobe University, 2012. Source: Photo courtesy Linda Sukamta.

La Trobe University explained to staff that the Indonesian Department will be closed because of consistently low enrolments. Is the situation at La Trobe unique or symptomatic of a bigger problem with interest in Indonesian studies across Australia? Linda Sukamta, the Coordinator of Indonesian language studies at La Trobe has plans to fight the closure.

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Linda Sukamta (sitting far left) celebrating Cultural Day with her students at La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, 2016. Source: Photo courtesy Linda Sukamta.