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About the Indonesian Language
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The Growing Popularity of Indonesian in the International Arena

The Indonesian language has been gaining popularity in recent years, not only in Southeast Asia but also on the global stage. As Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, it's no surprise that the Indonesian language has become increasingly important as a means of communication.
Furthermore, as more people travel to Indonesia for tourism or business, there has been a growing demand for non-native speakers to learn the language.
On this page, we will explore the reasons behind the worldwide popularity of Indonesian, its unique features, and the opportunities it offers to those who want to learn it.
Historical Background of the Indonesian Language
The Indonesian language, also known as Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language of Indonesia and is spoken by approximately 200 million people worldwide. Its historical background can be traced back to the 7th century, where Old Malay was the lingua franca of the Malacca Sultanate in present-day Malaysia. Over time, the language evolved through the influences of various cultures and became what is now known as the modern Indonesian language.
During the colonial period, Dutch was the language used by the Dutch East Indies government, which ruled Indonesia for over 300 years. However, Indonesian language advocates began promoting Bahasa Indonesia as a national language in the early 20th century. After gaining independence from the Dutch in 1945, Bahasa Indonesia was officially recognized as the national language of Indonesia.
The Indonesian language has since been used to unite the diverse ethnic groups in Indonesia, and it is considered a symbol of national identity. It has also become the primary language of education, government, media, and communication in Indonesia.
Despite its historical background and strong presence in Indonesia, the Indonesian language is also gaining popularity worldwide, with the increasing interest in Southeast Asian culture and economies. In fact, Bahasa Indonesia is one of the 10 most studied languages in the world, with universities and language schools offering Indonesian language courses around the globe. This increasing interest in the Indonesian language highlights its importance in the international arena and underscores the need to understand its historical background.