Languages and Cultures of Indonesia

Language of Instruction: Dutch

Indonesia is, despite its economical and political challenges, a modern, rapidly developing Asian state. The enormous archipelago contains a number of different population groups, each with their own language and culture. In addition to his or her mother tongue, each Indonesian learns Bahasa Indonesian: the lingua franca, which facilitates communication.

The Bachelor’s Programme
The Leiden programme in Languages and Cultures of Indonesia is unique in the Netherlands. In the course of the first two years, emphasis is placed on learning Indonesian and the basics of Javan, the most important local dialect. In addition, students follow introductory courses on arts, religions, the history of Indonesia, the linguistics of Southeast Asia, Javan and Indonesian literature and contemporary politics and media. In the summer following the second year, students follow a language course in Indonesia. At a later stage in the programme, students can specialize in one of the two languages, arts, literature & media, history or linguistics. Modern Indonesia also plays an important role in these courses.

See for more information the department website (in Dutch)

Practical Studies

Following the basic programme, the Languages and Cultures of Indonesia programme can be combined with one of the 'practical studies' or PraktijkStudies (International Management & Culture, European Union Studies, Journalism and the New Media, Book and Publishing or the Educational minor) or with other options and, possibly, an internship.