MOHAMMAD ROMADHONI (NATIONAL DONG HWA UNIVERSITY)
AI CHUN YEN (National Dong Hwa University)

EXPLORING LESSONS FROM INDONESIA'S BILINGUAL EDUCATION: A REVISIT OF THE RSBI ABOLISHMENT WITH INSIGHTS FOR TAIWAN : LANGUAGE PLANNING AND LANGUAGE POLICY

This paper explores the lessons Taiwan can learn from Indonesia's journey in bilingual education. It focuses on Indonesia's abolished RSBI policy and its implications for Taiwan's bilingual education efforts. Through a qualitative approach by analyzing government documents, academic papers, and media reports, as well as further conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders, the study aims to provide insights into Taiwan's bilingual education strategies. The RSBI policy in Indonesia aimed to improve educational standards at international levels but faced challenges such as inequality, national identity issues, and logistical problems like funding and facilities. As a result, Indonesia's RSBI policy was abolished. The analysis highlights critical lessons in school management, stakeholder engagement, and curriculum development relevant to Taiwan. The findings suggest that Taiwan can learn from Indonesia's experience by addressing early English education challenges, incorporating teachers' and parents' perspectives, and ensuring administrative support for student learning. The study highlights the significance of establishing inclusive, equitable, and culturally sensitive educational policies that uphold national identity while pursuing international excellence. Finally, Taiwan's bilingual education policy can benefit from examining Indonesia's RSBI policy and adopting a balanced approach that considers the complexities of educational reform in a multicultural society.

Mohammad Romadhoni has graduated from TESOL at National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan. He has been teaching English at National Dong Hwa University Taiwan for the Academy of English Empowerment. He is highly motivated to advance his capability, especially in (1) Higher Education policy, (2) Language Policy, (3) Bilingual Education, and (4) English Foreign Language Teaching. Currently, he is serving as a Ph.D. student majoring in the Ph.D. international Program of Asia-Pacific Regional Studies and minoring in Education and Human Potential Development at the same university.

Dr. Ai Chun Yen is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan. Her research concerns theories of constructivist learning environments and technological applications. Her recent research interests are: (1) Competent English-knowing Bilingual Education; (2) Strategic Teaching and Learning; and (3) Literature in Language Education.