How Does Language Basics Work in Indonesia?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language and one of the easier Asian languages to pick up basics in; English is widely spoken in Bali and tourist areas but limited elsewhere.
2What You Need to Know
Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language, used across all of the country's 17,000 islands despite hundreds of regional languages (Javanese, Balinese, Sundanese and more) being spoken locally. It is phonetically regular with no tones, making basic phrases relatively easy for English speakers to learn. In Bali, Lombok, and tourist zones of Java, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tour operations. Outside tourist areas, English knowledge drops significantly and a few phrases of Bahasa Indonesia are warmly appreciated and practically useful. Indonesian people are generally patient and delighted when visitors attempt their language.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Learn these basics: 'Terima kasih' (thank you), 'Berapa harga?' (how much?), 'Tolong' (please/help), 'Tidak' (no) — they will serve you well throughout the country
- 2Google Translate's offline Indonesian language pack is excellent and works without internet — download it before you leave home
- 3Bahasa Indonesia uses the Latin alphabet and is pronounced exactly as written — reading menus, signs, and maps is very accessible even for beginners
How does this compare?
Language Basics rules in nearby and similar countries:
English is limited outside major tourist areas — download Google Translate with Japanese offline before you arrive.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas but very limited outside them — learning a few basic Thai phrases earns enormous goodwill from locals.
English is Singapore's main working language, so there is no language barrier — though locals also speak Singlish, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.
Traveling to Indonesia?
You might also need:
More About Indonesia
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated — 10% at tourist restaurants, 20,000–50,000 IDR for guides and drivers, though service charge is often already included.
Updated 2025-06
Gojek and Grab (motorbike or car) are essential apps; Jakarta has TransJakarta BRT and a commuter rail network; Java has excellent intercity trains; Bali has no reliable public transport.
Updated 2025-06
BIMC and SOS Medika serve Bali tourists; Siloam Hospitals are reliable in major cities; medical evacuation insurance is critical, especially for Bali where motorbike and surf injuries are very common.
Updated 2025-06
Indonesia has some of the world's strictest drug laws including the death penalty for trafficking; Aceh province follows Sharia law; a 2023 criminal code restricts sex outside marriage.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 110; Ambulance: 118 or 119; Fire: 113; Tourist Assistance Hotline: 1500-454.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples and mosques; sarongs are required at Balinese temples and usually provided; bikinis are fine at beaches; dress more conservatively in non-tourist Muslim-majority areas.
Updated 2025-06
🗣️ See Language Basics rules in all countries
Compare all countries →