You can start practising Indonesian online with short, repeatable tasks. This guide focuses on everyday phrases and a simple study routine, whether you are preparing to visit Indonesia or already living here. “Indonesian” refers to the language; “Indonesia” is the country.
Begin with useful everyday phrases
| Indonesian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Halo, nama saya … | Hello, my name is … |
| Senang bertemu dengan Anda. | Nice to meet you. |
| Permisi, boleh saya bertanya? | Excuse me, may I ask a question? |
| Maaf, saya belum mengerti. | Sorry, I do not understand yet. |
| Bisa diulangi lebih pelan? | Could you repeat that more slowly? |
| Apa artinya kata ini? | What does this word mean? |
| Saya sedang belajar bahasa Indonesia. | I am learning Indonesian. |
| Terima kasih atas bantuannya. | Thank you for your help. |
| Berapa harganya? | How much does it cost? |
| Saya ingin memesan … | I would like to order … |
| Apakah makanan ini pedas? | Is this food spicy? |
| Boleh minta air minum? | May I have some drinking water? |
| Di mana stasiun terdekat? | Where is the nearest station? |
| Bagaimana cara ke tempat ini? | How do I get to this place? |
| Saya ingin pergi ke alamat ini. | I would like to go to this address. |
| Jam berapa kita mulai? | What time do we start? |
| Apakah besok Anda tersedia? | Are you available tomorrow? |
| Boleh saya mencatat? | May I take notes? |
| Saya akan mengirim pesan nanti. | I will send a message later. |
| Sampai jumpa lagi. | See you again. |
Practise one situation at a time
Choose a situation such as ordering lunch or arranging a meeting. Read two phrases aloud, listen to a model if one is available, and practise a short exchange. Change a word or detail to make the exchange your own. Ask for feedback on pronunciation and whether the phrase fits the context.
Build a manageable online routine
- Review a small set of words in context rather than memorising a long list once.
- Use a short recording to practise listening, then explain the main point in simple Indonesian.
- Write a brief message about your day and revise it after feedback.
- Keep a list of situations where you could not express what you wanted; use it to plan the next lesson.
Combine independent resources with feedback
The official BIPA Daring portal provides learning materials that can support practice. A tutor can help you select suitable material, notice recurring mistakes, and practise follow-up questions. Progress depends on your starting level, practice, and goals; there is no single fluency deadline that fits everyone.
Use polite phrases with attention to context
The examples above use broadly polite wording. Real conversations vary with the relationship, region, and situation. Ask before using unfamiliar informal language, and do not assume that a literal translation always sounds natural. For a university or professional task, bring the actual communication goal to your lesson.
Want a learning plan built around your goals? Explore the private online BIPA course at Lister, then discuss your starting level, tutor options, and time zone with a consultant. Course fees and package details are listed on the programme page.
