New Manpower Law Requiring Indonesian Language Proficiency Test of Foreign Workers

[Missnaughty]

.. if our leaders can think 2-3 step ahead, we wouldn't have any banjir in Jakarta...

[lantern]

I just came across this:

[SIZE=2]"[COLOR=#333333][FONT=Helvetica] Indonesia will withdraw a plan that would force foreign workers to take local language proficiency exams after protests from investors, two government officials said.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Helvetica][SIZE=2]Manpower Minister Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri earlier this month told reporters the government would require existing and prospective foreigners to pass Indonesian language tests to work in the country, a move seen by many foreign investors as protectionist.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#333333][FONT=Helvetica][SIZE=2]Currently, foreigners do not have to speak Indonesian to receive a work permit for Southeast Asia’s largest economy".
[/SIZE]http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesia-withdraw-local-language-plan-foreign-workers-sources/[/FONT][/COLOR]

[bbartz55]

My husband and I will be moving to Jakarta soon. We are in the process of applying for a visa to volunteer with an NGO. Does anyone have an update on the language proficiency test which was supposed to be decided on in February? I am learning Bahasa Indonesia online, but think it would be difficult to pass a proficiency test BEFORE moving to the country. Just wondering if anyone has more information on this.

[PhilippeD]

Nothing will change on how thing are presently: no need to be fluent prior arriving in indo.

But, still, the law mention we should learn bahasa and it can affect your relation with imigration and manpower on a long term basis if you don't (very relatif)

[Puspawarna]

My husband and I will be moving to Jakarta soon. We are in the process of applying for a visa to volunteer with an NGO. Does anyone have an update on the language proficiency test which was supposed to be decided on in February? I am learning Bahasa Indonesia online, but think it would be difficult to pass a proficiency test BEFORE moving to the country. Just wondering if anyone has more information on this.

See the post directly before yours (#77) and click on the link to the Jakarta Globe article for more info.