Indiana Salsabila: Bringing Indonesia's Cultural Diversity into the Classroom

Language has been a consistent thread throughout Indiana Salsabila’s academic and professional journey. After studying French Studies at Universitas Indonesia and working in strategic communication, she developed a continuing interest in how people use language to share experiences and make sense of the world. This led her to pursue a Master of Cross-Cultural and Applied Linguistics at the University of Sydney through an Australia Awards Scholarship in 2025.

Studying cross-cultural linguistics at the University of Sydney

At the University of Sydney, Indi explored the relationship between language, culture and society while building knowledge and networks that continue to shape her work. Her studies examined how language influences perspectives, relationships and social interactions across different communities.

“I wanted to learn more about how people communicate, how different communities understand issues, and how language influences those perspectives,” she said.

For Indi, the value of the program extended beyond the academic content. Learning alongside classmates from different cultural and professional backgrounds helped her understand that knowledge is shaped not only by textbooks and lecturers, but also by the conversations people have with one another.

“Everyone brought different experiences and perspectives into the classroom, and those conversations with classmates often helped me understand the topics in new ways,” she explained.

Applying ILLA in her studies

Indi’s interest in cross-cultural communication also found a practical outlet through the Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors (ILLA). During her final semester of study, she was selected to join ILLA at the University of Sydney.

For her engagement, Indi designed a learning activity that introduced Australian students to Indonesia’s linguistic and cultural diversity through traditional songs. Working with fellow ILLA scholars from West Sumatra, West Kalimantan, West Java, East Nusa Tenggara and Papua, they selected songs that best represented the cultural values embedded in their communities. Indi developed a booklet containing song lyrics in their original language with Indonesian and English translations.

“I wanted students to understand that Indonesia is incredibly divers, and that diversity can also be seen through language and music,” she said.

The program complemented Indi’s studies in applied linguistics by allowing her to see how language works in real-life settings. She applied this experience in her studies, using it as the core of her capstone research project for her Masters degree.

Recognition of her achievements

Following completion of her degree and on her return to Indonesia, Indi received an email from the University of Sydney. She had been awarded the MAK Halliday Medal, a recognition presented to students who demonstrate outstanding achievement in the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics Program. The award recognised her strong academic performance, including a High Distinction for her capstone project. Beyond this Indi sees it as a reflection of the people and experiences that shaped her learning journey in Australia.

“My studies helped me realise that language is not only something we analyse. It can also be a tool for understanding people and supporting positive change,” concluded Indi.