Title

English Language in Indonesian Schools in the Era of Globalization

Writer

Mochtar Marhum (Lecturer and Researcher from Tadulako University-Central Sulawesi)

Event

Seminar on English as an International Lingua Franca 2009 - STBA LIA Yogyakarta (August 13, 2009)

Abstract

According to historical records, following the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the Dutch language was replaced by English as the first foreign language, and has been Recognized as Such in Indonesia since1955. Globalization brings about an increase of in international competition. The mastery of science and technology Becomes the key to winning the competition. For that reason, English should function as an instrument of Applying and advancing science and technology to Accelerate the developmental process.

Furthermore, in the era of globalization, English plays a key role in many areas Including economics, politics, culture, communication and education. Though the status of English in Indonesia is a foreign language, English is one of the most favorite foreign languages ​​used and taught at schools. It has been taught from primary school to university level. Recently, the introduction of International Designated Rating Schools (international school stubs) and International Rating Schools (International standard schools) across Provinces of Indonesia has led to the significant growing interest of school students to learn English. The impact of language and education policy to Those International Rating schools in Indonesia has also changed the mindset of parents and children towards the importance of English language mastery in this modern era.

Furthermore, it can be Argued That the presence of International Rating Schools have gradually changed the image of Indonesian people against discrimination and the Domination of English language teaching and use the which used to be centralized in particular only big cities in Indonesia. This paper, therefore, will discuss the impact of language education policy towards the use of English as the instructional language in the International Schools Designated Rating (RSBI) in Central Sulawesi Province.

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