The English Proficiency in Jakarta: Percentage and Trends
As of the latest data, approximately 20 to 25% of Jakarta's urban population speaks English to some degree. This variation can be attributed to factors such as age, education level, and exposure to English through media and tourism. With an overall urban population of around 10 million, this would mean roughly 2 to 2.5 million people have some proficiency in English.
However, the fluency and usage of English can vary widely. In this article, we'll explore the current state of English proficiency in Jakarta, delve into trends, and provide some insights based on personal observations and recent statistics. For the most current statistics, it's advisable to check local surveys or studies.
A Generational Shift
In Jakarta, a significant number of people can speak English, particularly younger individuals from middle to upper-income backgrounds. These individuals, often referred to as millennials, tend to speak English very well, thanks to their exposure to global media and the digital landscape.
Current Statistics
As of 16 April 2017, a total of 5,593,427 people in Indonesia could speak some reasonable English. This represents a significant portion of the population but still leaves room for improvement in certain areas, particularly in Jakarta.
Observations and Experiences
From my personal observations, the general trend in Jakarta is that people, especially those in my generation and above, are better at written English than spoken English. This can be attributed to the education system and the less frequent use of English in everyday conversation outside of school.
Interestingly, many parents are now keen to teach their younger children to speak English at home. However, there's a catch—many of these parents have not fully mastered spoken English themselves, which raises concerns about the quality of language role models they might provide to their children. It remains to be seen how this trend will evolve.
Moreover, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree often demonstrate decent English proficiency. The general population in the capital city, however, is generally not as adept with English compared to those in most Southeast Asian countries, with the notable exception of Singapore, Malaysia, and possibly the Philippines.
For those looking to find fluent English speakers, the students of international schools like Jakarta International School (JIS) are particularly proficient. However, it's worth noting that some of these students might become overly proud of their English proficiency. On the other hand, less educated individuals often mix English with Indonesian, creating a unique form of communication known as "Indonglish."
Common Challenges and Annoyances
Speaking of "Indonglish," it's a prevalent issue in Jakarta. This mixed form of communication can be quite annoying, especially when someone throws random English words into Indonesian sentences, often without proper meaning. This can make it challenging for non-native speakers to understand the context and sometimes leads to the misconception that the speaker is more knowledgeable than they actually are.
According to my observations, people in Jakarta tend to use English in more formal settings or when interacting with foreigners. In casual settings, such as with friends or family, Indonesian is the language of choice. This reflects the changing language landscape in the city, with English gaining prominence due to globalization and tourism.
Conclusion
For those looking to communicate in English, Bali might be the better option. Bali is known for its better English proficiency and a more consistent use of the language in everyday life, as opposed to Jakarta, where "Indonglish" can often be heard.