A significant decline in the number of Australian students studying Asian languages has been reported, raising concerns about the country’s cultural and educational engagement with Asia. During an inquiry conducted by the House Standing Committee on Education on October 29, 2023, Tim Watts, the committee chair and a member of the Labor party, highlighted alarming statistics that illustrate this trend.
Watts presented a stark example regarding the study of Bahasa Indonesia. In 2010, over 1,160 Year 12 students were enrolled in Bahasa Indonesia courses across the nation. By 2023, that number had plummeted to just 524 students. This dramatic decrease indicates a troubling trend in the engagement with Asian languages within the Australian education system.
In particular, the state of Victoria has seen a significant reduction in the number of high schools offering Bahasa Indonesia. Between 2005 and 2024, the number of schools teaching the language dropped by 65 percent, from 116 to only 44. This decline raises questions about the future of Asian language education in one of Australia’s key states.
Stakeholders in Queensland have expressed similar concerns, stating that Bahasa Indonesia is now “functionally extinct” within the state’s education system. The inquiry revealed that various factors contribute to this decline, including a lack of qualified teachers, limited resources, and insufficient policy support for language programs.
The implications of this trend extend beyond educational statistics. As Australia seeks to strengthen its ties with Asian nations, the decline in language studies could hinder diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationships in the region. Proficiency in Asian languages is essential for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world.
The committee’s inquiry aims to address these challenges and explore potential strategies to reinvigorate interest in Asian languages among students. As Australia navigates its role in the Asia-Pacific region, the importance of language education cannot be overstated. The findings from this inquiry will likely influence future educational policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing Australia’s Asia capability.
