What happens when six Indonesian language learners step onto a stage and speak Indonesian in front of an audience? For our students, it became a day we would remember for years.
On 18 May 2019, six Indotutors students took part in an Indonesian language competition in Singapore organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemdikbud RI), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore (KBRI Singapore). There were 14 participants in total, competing in two categories: speech and storytelling.
It was a day filled with excitement, nervousness, laughter and, most of all, togetherness. Our students came not simply to compete, but to share something they had spent time learning and enjoying — Bahasa Indonesia. For some, speaking Indonesian in front of an audience was a big challenge. But they stepped forward, supported one another and gave it their best.
Looking back, what makes the day so memorable for us is not only the competition result. It is the feeling of being there together as one Indotutors family.
Six Indotutors Students at the Indonesian Language Competition in Singapore
Six students represented Indotutors in the competition: Jessica, Pierre, Lam Guan Yu, Gerald, Kiona and Benjamin.
They were joined by Yan Ling, Simon and Shannon, who came along to support their friends. Ms Fenny and I were there too, cheering them on throughout the day.
One of the things we remember fondly is how our students embraced the Indonesian spirit of the occasion. Most came dressed in batik, while Kiona looked especially beautiful in her kebaya. Jessica added her own special touch, wearing a beautifully designed Indonesian necklace accessory that complemented the occasion beautifully. Seeing our students proudly embracing Indonesian culture in their own ways was a lovely moment for us.
For us, learning Indonesian has always been about more than words and grammar. It is also a way to discover Indonesian culture, understand its traditions, and connect with people. That day, our students were able to experience this for themselves.
A Proud Moment for Lam Guan Yu
When the competition results were announced, we had another reason to celebrate.
Lam Guan Yu won First Place in the storytelling category.
We were so happy and proud of her. Guan Yu had the courage to stand on stage and tell her story in Indonesian, and seeing her receive the award was a wonderful moment for everyone who had supported her. While we were delighted with Guan Yu’s achievement, we were equally proud of all our students who took part. Each one had stepped forward and challenged themselves to use Indonesian in front of others. For us, that courage was already an achievement.
The Day Continued at KBRI Singapura
The competition was only one part of the day. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to join a Buka Puasa Bersama with the Indonesian community in Singapore. It was a lovely way to continue the celebration.
We had the opportunity to meet Ambassador I Gede Ngurah Swajaya and spend time with members of the Indonesian community and the KBRI Singapore team. Our students were able to use Indonesian naturally, meet new people and experience the warmth of Indonesian hospitality. For our students, it was another opportunity to experience Bahasa Indonesia beyond the classroom — through conversations, people and culture.
Celebrating Together at Indotutors
A few days later, we gathered back at our Indotutors classroom for a special celebration to give thanks for the wonderful experience and congratulate all our students who had taken part.
Of course, no Indonesian celebration would be complete without food — and there was nasi tumpeng!
We sat together, shared stories from the competition, laughed about the day’s memorable moments and enjoyed the meal together. It was a simple and joyful gathering, but it gave us a chance to celebrate not only Guan Yu’s achievement, but also the courage and effort of every student who had been part of the experience.
After all the excitement of the competition, it was lovely to have everyone together again, this time in our own classroom.
A Memory We Still Treasure
Some experiences stay with you long after the day is over. For us, the 2019 competition was one of them. It reminded us how rewarding it is to see our students take what they have learned in the classroom and use Indonesian with confidence in the wider community. We are proud of Guan Yu’s achievement, but we are equally proud of every student who stepped forward, took part and supported their friends.
Years later, we still look back on that experience with warm memories — and with gratitude for being part of their Indonesian language journey.