Indonesian Language studies facing fresh problems during the time of COVID-19.

The popularity of learning Indonesian as a foreign language has always had highs and lows. For a number of reasons, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some schools closing their Indonesian programs and in reduced student interest.

Silvy Wantania talking to her Indonesian class’ students in Melbourne, 28 Mar 2018. Source: Supplied. Silvy Wantania - 2018.

The move to on-line learning and several other factors are demanding that teachers of Indonesian to find ways to maintain support for the subject in their schools.  Teachers Silvy Wantania, from Melbourne High School who is also the President of VILTA and Liz Formby, an Indonesian teacher from Cobden Technical School suggest ways to solve the problem. 

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Bodhi Crole , Kayden Daffy, Kak Ivan, Riley Chamberlain, Liz Formby, Bradey Fratantaro (obscured), Darcy Benson and Hayley Lucas having a game. Source: Supplied. Liz Formby and her students, 28 Jul 2020.