English fluency can transform your career, travel experiences, and personal connections. In Indonesia, learning English has never been more accessible — with free online tools, affordable courses, and community-based programmes available in most cities.
Indonesia ranks around the middle in Asia on global English proficiency indexes, but demand is rising sharply in tourism, e-commerce, and tech. Employers increasingly expect staff to be comfortable communicating in English, especially in customer-facing and international roles.
This guide covers why English matters, costs, where to learn, practice strategies, common challenges, and daily tips to help you make steady progress.
Why Learn English in Indonesia?
1. Career Growth
Tourism operators in Bali, international shipping companies in Jakarta, and tech start-ups in Bandung all rely on English for cross-border business. A hotel receptionist with fluent English can command a higher salary than one without — sometimes 30–50% more.
2. Global Communication
Whether you want to attend an international conference in Singapore or network on LinkedIn with peers worldwide, English bridges the gap. You’ll also find it easier to keep up with global news, trends, and research.
3. Education Access
Scholarships and placements at universities in Australia, the UK, and the US often require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Even short-term exchange programmes expect solid English skills.
4. Cultural Exchange
From watching Netflix without subtitles to discussing literature at a book café, English gives you access to global culture. It also helps connect with expats and tourists, creating social and professional opportunities.
Cost Snapshot – Learning English in Indonesia
Here’s what you can expect to spend depending on your approach:
| Budget Tier | Monthly Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Low Budget | Rp 0 – Rp 500,000 | Free online apps, public library resources, NGO programmes, language exchange meetups |
| Mid-Range | Rp 500,000 – Rp 2,500,000 | Group classes at local language centres, occasional private tutoring |
| High Investment | Rp 2,500,000+ | Premium schools (EF, Wall Street English), intensive courses, specialist exam prep |
Exam Costs (one-time):
- IELTS: Rp 3,150,000 – Rp 3,500,000
- TOEFL iBT: Rp 3,000,000 – Rp 3,400,000
- Cambridge English: Price varies; often from Rp 2,500,000 upwards
Best Cities for Learning English in Indonesia
Jakarta
- Schools: British Council Indonesia, English First, Wall Street English
- Extras: Erasmus Huis cultural centre offers free events and workshops
- Advantage: Vibrant expat community for real-life speaking practice
Bali
- Schools: Bali International Language Foundation (BILF)
- Extras: Weekly language exchanges in Canggu and Ubud
- Advantage: Tourism-heavy environment means constant English exposure
Surabaya
- Schools: IALF Surabaya, local private schools with business English focus
- Advantage: Affordable living with strong workplace-oriented courses
Yogyakarta
- Schools: University-led programmes and community classes
- Advantage: Student-friendly prices and an active arts scene
Bandung & Medan
- Advantage: Growing networks of NGO-led programmes and religious community classes for all ages
Where to Learn English in Indonesia
Language Schools & Institutions
- British Council Indonesia – General, business, and exam prep courses
- English First (EF) – Kids to adult structured programmes
- Wall Street English – Flexible schedules for professionals
- BILF – Immersive courses in cultural settings
Community & Free Programmes
- Cultural Centres – Free classes at places like Erasmus Huis (Jakarta)
- Public Libraries – Books, workshops, conversation groups
- Religious Organisations – Churches/mosques with community lessons
- NGOs – Indonesia Mengglobal mentorship, rural outreach programmes
Online Learning
- Grammar & Vocabulary: BBC Learning English, Coursera, FutureLearn
- Daily Apps: Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel
- Speaking Practice: Tandem, HelloTalk
Exam Preparation in Indonesia
- IELTS – British Council and IDP
- TOEFL iBT – ETS-authorised centres & online
- Cambridge English – B2 First, C1 Advanced
Tip: Combine official prep materials with mock exams and timed practice sessions.
Effective Practice Strategies
- Join Conversation Clubs – Weekly meetups in cafés or libraries
- Language Exchanges – Trade Indonesian for English practice online
- Media Immersion – Watch English shows, listen to BBC podcasts
- Daily Writing – Keep a diary, post on social media in English
- App-Based Learning – Mix vocabulary apps with pronunciation tools
- Set Micro-Goals – Example: 10 new words/day or one grammar module/week
Common Challenges & Solutions
- Fear of Speaking → Start with voice messages before live chats
- Limited Time → Use commute time for podcasts or app lessons
- Motivation Drops → Track progress, set rewards, change study style
- Translation Dependence → Switch to thinking directly in English
7-Day Mini Practice Plan (Indonesia Edition)
Day 1: Read one English news article from Jakarta Post
Day 2: Watch 20 minutes of English YouTube with subtitles
Day 3: Join a conversation group or online exchange
Day 4: Write a short diary entry in English
Day 5: Review 10 new vocabulary words with an app
Day 6: Listen to a podcast episode while commuting
Day 7: Summarise the week’s learning aloud to a friend or mirror
Conclusion
Learning English in Indonesia doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. With a mix of structured courses, free resources, and real-world practice, you can make steady progress — whether your goal is career advancement, studying abroad, or personal growth.
The secret is consistency. Even 15–30 minutes a day can bring noticeable improvements within months.
Next Steps
- Set your goal – Work, study, travel, or personal enrichment
- Choose your resources – Blend free and paid tools
- Create a schedule – Stick to short, daily sessions
- Immerse yourself – Surround yourself with English daily
- Track & celebrate progress – Stay motivated
