Title:
THE TENSION BETWEEN THE PROMOTION OF ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND THE PRESERVATION OF NATIONAL LANGUAGE: PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE

Authors:
Niken Ayu Larasati, Muhammad Affan Ridho and Amaliatul Hasanah

Abstract:
A critical study on tensions in the imposition of English as a English Medium Instruction and Bahasa Indonesia as the national unifying language was the education system itself in Indonesia, where English-Medium Instruction (EMI) programs were formulated to compete globally to prepare students and, at the same time, raised concern about the extinction of cultural and linguistic significance of Indonesian. Qualitative data were drawn from parents, and the EMI barriers being investigated include poor teacher training, language problems, and the potential loss of national identity. Study findings indicate how students are prepared for global opportunities and the importance of cultural heritage. Therefore, it highlights the need for policies that combine bilingual education with CLIL based EMI, supporting both diversity and readiness for the global stage. This study contributes to the discussion on language policies, offering insights for education systems trying to balance global connections with preserving their culture.

Keywords:
English as Medium Instruction, Preservation of Bahasa Indonesia, Parent’s Perspective.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2026.9120

Date of Publication: 28-02-2026