Language barriers in Jakarta?

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ambernova

English is widely understood in Jakarta, especially among the educated and the young. The economic gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" are quite wide, and since you're a travelling foreigner I presume that you will spend most of your time around the "haves"... most of whom speak fair to excellent English. People who work in reputable hotels, restaurants, shops, and companies are more than willing to assist you in English and should at least have a good command of basic English.

However, do keep in mind that English is not the native language of Indonesian people, so avoid regional slang and expressions that don't translate. Speak articulately and keep your sentences/ideas simple.

Once you get outside Jakarta it may be a different story. Most people outside Jakarta speak even Indonesian as a second language because they speak their native regional language at home. If you plan to go there, take an Indonesian with you.

Some basic Indonesian comes in handy , for example, in case you need to ask for directions on the street or get in a cab (only take taxis that say "BLUE BIRD GROUP" on the windshield... most Blue Bird drivers should understand English but not all can reply you in English). Get a good tourist language handbook once you land in Jakarta (drop your stuff at the hotel then go to the nearest Aksara or Kinokuniya bookshop...they're usually in a good mall so ask your hotel person/expatriate friend about this). You can also look up a bit about Bahasa Indonesia at www.wikipedia.org, probly not many words but it will help tremendously to know what the nature of the language is and how it affects Indonesian cultures.

Also, never hand things over or receive them with your left hand, this is considered very impolite (the left hand is traditionally saved for toilet chores). If you must use your left hand, apologise (e.g. "please excuse my left hand" "ma'af, tangan kiri").

Kuchiki Rukia

if you go to tourists' destination such as Bali and Yogyakarta, most people you find on the street even the rickshaw driver, they understand English. some people speak and understand English quite good, some more would understand yet speak broken English.

Same if you go to Jakarta, Surabaya, Lombok, Balikpapan, Ujung Pandang, Aceh, you would find people who understand and speak a little English.

Officials sometimes don't even speak and understand English, you would be surprise finding them almost every where even at the airport, but need not to worry, lots of Indonesians even though they speak broken English, they usually understand English and willing to communicate in many ways :)

Have fun in Indonesia!

Sea

In some part of Indonesia (specially Jakarta and Bali), lots of people understand English. They might even be able to speak some broken English. When English doesnt work, try the sign language :)
Learning a little bit of simple Indonesian wont hurt too.
Have a great trip!

áƒ¦Sakuraáƒ¦

Well most people speak Indonesian 'slang' language..
But its alright..
Some (educated) people speak English too..
Maybe you should learn a little Indonesian..
Just make sure you can say the simple ones..
Try looking at this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_language
It explains more clearly than I do :D

Well, Have fun at Indonesia ^^

Hana

Well, since Jakarta is the capital city, you can expect quite a number of English speakers. Probably not the most fluent English, but most would be enough for means of communication. Among the younger generation, you'd find more English speakers with much more fluency than their elders. Unless you go to the office districts. There, you'd find office workers' English to be on par with the younger generation.

MNL_TIGER

most of the educated Indonesians know how to converse in English ,but better learn how to do dome basic phrases especially when taking the cab or do some shopping

Devastated

English is a second language for people in Jakarta. Those who has been in the university should be able to speak some basic english conversation.

Iroh

Don't worry about communcation issue. Let's plan your travelling destination because there is a lot interesting places in Indonesia.

Don't miss to visit Yogyakarta, many people consider it as the capital of indonesian culture.

Peach Blossom

in Jakarta, English is a nice option. Well, expecting to Jakarta's the capital city, there are a lot of people speaking English or I suggest you bring an Indonesian pocket dictionary. You'll have to learn a bit Bahasa for survive languange, like:
Sorry = maaf
How much...? = Berapa
I want to go to... = Saya ingin pergi ke...

But I suggest your first option is English.
Enjoy your trip. There are a lot of nice mall in Jakarta. Most people from oversea used to go to Kemang, it's on South Jakarta. Kemang is nice, many cafe and all. But I don't suggest you go there on rainy days, there's used to be small flood there on rainy days.

Stardust

I'll put it this way, among the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China & Japan, Indonesia is ranked between Malaysia & Thailand in terms of English proficiency.

IMHO, don't worry too much even if your visit to Indonesia requires you to interact often with the locals.

elle

most people in jakarta speak english. you don't have to be worried about that. they'd be happy to help you.

Reyz

Well, I see that most of the answers share the same idea and they all are TRUE. Try this, put yourself as the Local and your native language is not the International Language. How would you advise Foreigners who are planning to visit your country?

I found these Tips very helpful for you preparing yourself to overcome language barrier.

Say It without Words
Use hands, arms, legs, gestures, facial expressions and everything else your charades experience has taught you.

Use Emotions
Even in our own language and culture we do not always use language to express fright, frustration, anger or joy. Emotions transcend linguistic barriers.

Try Out Words
Sometimes we share common words and we do not know it. Additionally people from different cultures will have a passive knowledge of English gained through the media. Try saying the word slowly or with a different pronunciation.

Draw It
If you really cannot explain "milk" to the Greek shop owner, draw the cow, the udder and the milk. Pictures speak louder than words. Most cultures will be able to spot what you are getting at straight away.

Ask for Help
If there are others around you, do not be shy to ask for their assistance. It is often possible to find a willing translator.

Confirm Meanings
If you are unsure whether the message has been understood, confirm meanings. When doing so, do not ask "Do you understand?" as the answer will often be "Yes" even if it is "No". Try re-phrasing what you have agreed or discussed.

Be Patient
The key to overcome the language barrier is to exercise patience. It is not your fault or the other person's that you cannot speak each others language.

The above points will help you to overcome cross cultural communication problems and ensure you manage to get your message across in one form or another.

Cindy

usually people speak their ethnic language at home or even outside sometimes but everyone knows how to speak Indonesian aka. Bahasa Indonesia, some people can speak English but don't expect they speak fluent english, probably for students, they can speak english better..

Dave Star

I think it's the beauty of Tourism per se to cross the boundaries of communication. It would be monotonous if you go everywhere and all people understand you. Sometimes, it's a rewarding experience to understand other people too.

You know what, I survived my 3 days holiday in Jakarta. I guess you'll be OK.

clueless

you better learn some simple phrases for daily life needs
indonesian language is damn easy!

vya-vermouth

In addition to people's answers above,

if you speak English to Indonesians, make sure you slow down your speed and speak clearly.

I can tell most people will understand if you speak like that.

Enjoy your time in Indonesia! :)

Momo

Even though English is not their first language, but it is widely spoken (simple English such as how much a thing cost) there especially in tourist spots. Of course, you can't expect them to converse fluently. I had been to Bali, Lombok & Jarkarta & have no problem conmmunicating with the local people at all (in simple English).

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