In Indonesian, the Indonesian language is called bahasa Indonesia. The word bahasa simply means “language” and is written with a lowercase “b,” which shows that it is not part of the proper name itself. The phrase bahasa Indonesia literally means “the language of Indonesia,” or simply “Indonesian.” That is why it is not correct to call the language bahasa or bahasa Indonesian.
Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia and is spoken by around 95 to 97 percent of the population. Most people speak it fluently, if not as their first language. In practice, it is extremely rare to meet someone in Indonesia who is not fully proficient in Indonesian. If you want to travel, work, or live in Indonesia, learning Indonesian is the single most useful language skill you can acquire.
Where is Indonesian Spoken?
Where Indonesian-Malay is spoken
Historically, until 1928, the language was known as Malay. While many different Malay dialects are spoken in Indonesia and Malaysia—and some of them are not mutually intelligible—the official languages of both countries are standardized forms of Malay. If you speak standard Indonesian, you can communicate easily with Malaysians, and vice versa. Indonesian-Malay is also a national language in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam and plays an important role in East Timor.
Because it serves as a national language in several countries, the language has different official names. In Malaysia, it is called bahasa Malaysia (“Malaysian language”) or bahasa Melayu (“Malay language”). In Singapore and Brunei, it is known as bahasa Melayu. In Indonesia, it is officially called bahasa Indonesia (“Indonesian language”).
Together, Indonesian and Malaysian rank among the most widely spoken languages in the world—on the same global scale as French, Russian, or Portuguese. This makes learning Indonesian not only practical for travel and daily life, but also valuable for business, research, education, and international communication.
Why Learn Indonesian?
The Indonesian language is more than just a means of communication—it is a powerful symbol of national identity and a key to understanding one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. By choosing to learn Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), you gain access to Indonesian society, culture, media, universities, and professional opportunities across Southeast Asia.
Whether your goal is travel, academic research, business, or long-term living in Indonesia, studying Indonesian will make your experience richer, easier, and more meaningful. With the right course, you can learn both formal Indonesian and colloquial Indonesian and use the language confidently in real-life situations.
Start Learning Indonesian Today
With Indonesian Online, you can learn Indonesian step by step—from beginner to advanced level—using clear explanations, real-life examples, and practical exercises. Our courses are designed to help you speak, understand, read, and write Bahasa Indonesia with confidence.
If you are serious about mastering the Indonesian language, now is the perfect time to start. Learn Indonesian and open the door to one of the world’s most important and fascinating regions.