Major overview
Indonesia is our nearest Asian neighbour and on track to become the world’s 10th biggest economy by the end of this decade.
In this major, you’ll develop advanced skills in contemporary Indonesian language, and gain a greater understanding of the political, environmental, and social issues affecting Indonesia and the Asia region.
When you graduate, you’ll find your Indonesian language skills are in high demand in a range of areas, particularly roles involving foreign affairs, security, defence, media, international development and education. You could also become accredited as an interpreter and translator through separate application and testing by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
3 reasons to study Indonesian at Murdoch
- Students will have the opportunity to study in Indonesia through the Study Indonesia Australian Consortium for 'In-Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS).
- Students can benefit from our strong links with the Asia region through our Indo-Pacific Research Centre, an international leader in the study of East and Southeast Asia.
- Students will create an e-portfolio of their work to showcase to employers when they graduate.
What you’ll learn
Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:
- Indonesian language: speaking, listening, writing, and reading
- Indonesian customs and culture
- Media, culture and politics in Indonesia
- Asian studies
- Advanced research in the arts
Your future career
With a major in Indonesian, you could pursue a range of opportunities in fields such as teaching, diplomacy, international law and journalism.
Careers could include:
- Ambassador or Diplomat
- Interpreter
- Translator
- Policy Advisor
- Travel Specialist
- Teacher
For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.
Professional recognition
It is possible to gain accreditation as an interpreter and translator through separate application and testing by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters).
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.