Indonesia has over 700 languages. This linguistic variety constitutes approximately 10% of the world’s total languages.
Languages of Indonesia
Indonesian
Javanese
Sunda
Madura
Betawi
Malay
Minangkabau
Bugis
Banjar
Malay, Manado
Bali
Musi
Aceh
Makasar
Sasak
Indonesian, Makassar
Batak Toba
Malay, Ambonese
Malay, Central
Malay, Papuan
Malay, Jambi
Malay, North Moluccan
Manggarai
Ngaju
Nias
Lampung Api
Indonesian Sign Language
Chinese, Min Nan
Uab Meto
Batak Mandailing
Chinese, Hakka
Toraja-Sa’dan
Batak Angkola
Malayic Dayak
Gorontalo
Bima
Mandar
Batak Karo
Komering
Chinese, Mandarin
Tetun
Malay, Kupang
Rejang
Bangka
Kendayan
Osing
Sumbawa
Arabic, Levantine
Gayo
Tae’
Lamaholot
Muna
Kerinci
Kambera
Tolaki
Bajau, Indonesian
Kaili, Ledo
Malay, Tenggarong Kutai
Chinese, Yue
Dani, Western
Lampung Nyo
Sika
Batak Dairi
Konjo, Coastal
Batak Simalungun
Ma’anyan
Col
Tukang Besi South
Duri
Tukang Besi North
Mongondow
Ende
Hawu
Kangean
Sangir
Li’o
Cia-Cia
Selayar
Batak Alas-Kluet
Bakumpai
Ekari
Lawangan
Semandang
Adonara
Enrekang
Hindi
Buol
Mamasa
Banggai
Tagalog
Kei
Malay, Kota Bangun Kutai
Tengger
Galela
Ot Danum
Pamona
Amarasi
Biak
Konjo, Highland
Wolio
Mamuju
Kaili, Da’a
Mentawai
Ternate
Ngad’a
Siang
Malay, Bukit
Wejewa
Benyadu’
Talaud
Saluan
Dani, Mid Grand Valley
Fordata
Nage
Tunjung
Lauje
Tidore
Buru
Ribun
Sanggau
Bambam
Simeulue
Kaur
Ke’o
Mualang
Jangkang
Seberuang
Geser-Gorom
Kaili, Unde
English
Kulisusu
Keninjal
Ulumanda’
Maiwa
Ampanang
Bulungan
Kedang
Pekal
Sentani
Taman
Termanu
Aralle-Tabulahan
Tobelo
Wawonii
Tidung, Southern
Moronene
Alor
Lamboya
Malay, Balinese
Yamdena
Pannei
Lundayeh
Korean
Bungku
Bunak
Tonsawang
Balantak
Badui
Dani, Lower Grand Valley
Dani, Upper Grand Valley
Dengka
Dusun Deyah
Indonesian, Peranakan
Kisar
Kodi
Lole
Mai Brat
Makian, East
Malay, Larantuka
Mandobo Bawah
Moni
Sula
Tawoyan
Tii
Walak
Sikule
Tomini
Bahau
Tombulu
Uma
Haruku
Kalumpang
Luang
Haji
Alune
Dutch
Sou Nama
Abui
Anakalangu
Hatam
Hitu
Nalca
Modang
Basap
Duano
Iban
Ile Ape
Loloda
Tabaru
Yali, Angguruk
Tontemboan
Meyah
Damal
Helong
Japanese
Mori Atas
Mori Bawah
Riung
Larike-Wakasihu
Bakati’, Rara
Kenyah, Mainstream
Makian, West
Rikou
Sawai
Sougb
Tausug
Bonerate
Lisela
Malay, Berau
Mateq
Pantar, Western
Totoli
Patani
Yali, Ninia
Saparua
Seit-Kaitetu
Ambai
Bentong
Blagar
Dondo
Embaloh
Kayagar
Kemak
Kubu
Loura
Mamboru
Mandobo Atas
Nduga
Ngalum
Palu’e
So’a
Tehit
Tulehu
Wanukaka
Yaqay
Yawa
Ketengban
Moma
Bada
Dampelas
Tondano
Pancana
Awyu, South
Manombai
Asmat, Casuarina Coast
Asilulu
Bidayuh, Biatah
Citak
Kamoro
Kenyah, Wahau
Kohin
Korupun-Sela
Lembata, South
Lembata, West
Moskona
Muyu, North
Selaru
Tarangan, West
Leti
Suwawa
Awyu, Central
Beginci
Rampi
Sahu
Kola
Mangole
Asmat, Central
Bilba
Dela-Oenale
Marind
Mpur
Sou Upaa
Morop
Kaidipang
Maba
Awyu, Asue
Luhu
Napu
Tarangan, East
Tajio
Kamang
Kepo’
Lewotobi
Putoh
Rajong
Sajau Basap
Seko Padang
Waropen
Wemale
Kioko
French
Bolango
Ambelau
German, Standard
Dobel
Una
Iha
Kaera
Dhao
Dusun Witu
Karon Dori
Klon
Kula
Ngad’a, Eastern
Rembong
Silimo
Wamesa
Wolani
Yali, Pass Valley
Saleman
Ansus
Moi Kelim
Taliabu
Bobot
Dusun Malang
Babar, Southeast
Barakai
Nggem
Burusu
Behoa
Bakati’
Bakati’, Sara
Irarutu
Kombai
Lamalera
Lamatuka
Levuka
Lewoeleng
Ma’ya
Muyu, South
Rongga
Teiwa
Watubela
Kabola
Laha
Awyu, Edera
Tabla
Kokoda
Wersing
Malay, Banda
Batuley
Tado
Bati
Korowai
Sawi
Tamagario
Okolod
Pagu
Balaesang
Mairasi
Kalabra
Boano (Maluku)
Kur
Murut, Sembakung
Padoe
Malimpung
Abun
Adang
Aghu
Banda
Hupla
Kayan, Busang
Kimaghima
Liana-Seti
Lik
Nasal
Sawila
Uma’ Lung
Wae Rana
Waioli
Wambon
Gane
Marind, Bian
Seluwasan
Koneq-koneq
Bintauna
Damar, East
Gebe
Aoheng
Sepa
Tugutil
Sarudu
Buli
Barapasi
Gresi
Kemtuik
Kwerba
Nipsan
Seko Tengah
Boano (Sulawesi)
Kamaru
Awyu, Jair
Yale, Kosarek
Kaimbulawa
Tombelala
Kurudu
Latu
Bobongko
Anasi
Asmat, Yaosakor
Emem
Gerai
Kayan, Kayan River
Kwesten
Laba
Lubu
Modole
Momuna
Murut, Tagal
Nimboran
Pom
Punan Tubu
Segai
Sikaritai
Lisabata-Nuniali
Pendau
Isirawa
Woi
Komodo
Marau
Roma
Yalahatan
Nafri
Ambel
Orya
Kamberau
Awyu, North
Bauzi
Edopi
Gamkonora
Iau
Kayan, Mendalam
Kemberano
Kodeoha
Manipa
Nedebang
Nuaulu, South
Uma’ Lasan
Wabo
Welaun
Fayu
Ili’uun
Yetfa
Ratahan
Kayan Mahakam
Sowari
Yei
Dawera-Daweloor
Matbat
Oirata
Bantik
Berik
Koneraw
Mekwei
Moi Lemas
Ndom
Serui-Laut
Tugun
Wanggom
Lasalimu
Dakka
Kata Kolok
Baham
Riantana
Roon
Teor
Tela-Masbuar
Ujir
Kumbewaha
Airoran
Arandai
Asmat, North
Atohwaim
Babar, North
Buruwai
Dem
Gorap
Hovongan
Kafoa
Masiwang
Moraid
Ninggerum
Rohingya
Semimi
Sempan
Sobei
Wano
Koroni
Duvle
Hamap
Ketum
Lengilu
Limola
Lola
Enggano
Koba
Batui
Masela, West
Mawes
Sa’ban
Dai
Damar, West
Munggui
Reta
Suabo
Tereweng
Bonggo
Bahonsuai
Tsaukambo
Panasuan
Busami
Kais
Mor (Nabire)
Nakai
Puragi
Skou
Galolen
Busoa
Tonsea
Sedoa
Tause
Kelabit
Murut, Selungai
Tarpia
Vitou
Warembori
Karey
Betaf
Kaburi
Kawe
Kowiai
Papuma
Bukitan
Imroing
Sunum
Foau
Mo
Eritai
Lepki
Masela, East
Masela, Central
Kaibobo
Kayan, Wahau
Kereho
Kimki
Konda
Kuri
Kwinsu
Nisa
Nuaulu, North
Onin
Ormu
Taikat
Tanahmerah
Tunggare
Waris
Yahadian
Kaure
Sekar
Dabe
Topoiyo
Sekak
Bukat
Demisa
Kao
Kauwera
Kopkaka
Manem
Papasena
Samarokena
Uruangnirin
Yelmek
Keijar
Punan Aput
Taje
Auye
Awyi
Benggoi
Kadai
Rahambuu
Waru
Yaur
Yeretuar
Andio
Biga
Kompane
Serili
Anus
Talondo’
Taloki
Abinomn
Bagusa
Bayono
Diebroud
Dla
Elseng
Huaulu
Komyandaret
Kwerba Mamberamo
Mlap
Saweru
Trimuris
Warkay-Bipim
Wauyai
Citak, Tamnim
Laiyolo
Murkim
Fedan
Mariri
Perai
Biritai
Burmeso
Dao
Emplawas
Kirikiri
Kosare
Legenyem
Meoswar
Mombum
Sause
Tofanma
Viid
Wotu
Karas
Kaptiau
Molof
Zorop
Kaiy
Lorang
Tebi
Sowanda
Beneraf
Erokwanas
Jofotek-Bromnya
Kapauri
Kehu
Momina
Punan Merap
Rasawa
Wares
Yarsun
Yoke
Bedoanas
Budong-Budong
Kanum, Smärky
Liabuku
Aputai
Arguni
Waritai
Punan Merah
Maklew
Obokuitai
Towei
Usku
Awbono
Burate
Diuwe
Kanum, Ngkâlmpw
Kanum, Sota
Kofei
Kui
Kwer
Sauri
Tangko
Tefaro
Tobati
Tomadino
Mer
Itik
Doutai
Yeresiam
Baras
Dineor
Amahai
Kayupulau
Lolak
Morori
Paku
Paulohi
Salas
Burumakok
Ibu
Mor (Fakfak)
Namla
Massep
Kalao
Kembra
Mander
Kwerisa
Liki
Masimasi
As
Malay, Bacanese
Kanum, Bädi
Woria
Awera
Duriankere
Dusner
Hoti
Hukumina
Hulung
Iha Based Pidgin
Javindo
Kamarian
Kayeli
Loun
Mapia
Moksela
Naka’ela
Nila
Nusa Laut
Onin Based Pidgin
Ponosakan
Saponi
Serua
Tambora
Tandia
Te’un
Ternateño
Bidayuh, Bau
Bidayuh, Bukar-Sadong
Chinese, Min Dong
Petjo
Salawati
Understanding the Languages of Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with more than 700 living languages spoken across its many islands. This diversity reflects the country’s extensive geography, long history of human settlement, cultural differences, and centuries of interaction among communities. The languages spoken in Indonesia include the national language, major regional languages, smaller indigenous languages, and languages used by particular communities for cultural, religious, and social purposes.
Bahasa Indonesia and Regional Languages
Bahasa Indonesia, or Indonesian, is the official national language of Indonesia. It is used in government, education, national media, public administration, and communication between people from different linguistic backgrounds. Its development from Malay helped establish a common language that could unite the country’s diverse ethnic and linguistic communities.
However, Indonesian is only one part of the country’s linguistic landscape. Many Indonesians also speak a regional language as their first language or use one regularly at home and within their communities. Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Minangkabau, Bugis, Balinese, Acehnese, and the various Batak languages are among the country’s major regional languages.
These languages are not simply different accents of Indonesian. Many have their own vocabularies, grammatical structures, pronunciation systems, literary traditions, and histories. A person who speaks Indonesian may not automatically understand Javanese or Sundanese, just as speakers of two unrelated languages elsewhere in the world may have difficulty communicating without a common language.
The Major Language Families of Indonesia
Most Indonesian languages belong to the Austronesian language family, one of the world’s largest language families in terms of geographical distribution. Austronesian languages are spoken across much of maritime Southeast Asia and the Pacific, extending as far as Madagascar in the west and remote Pacific islands in the east.
Indonesian, Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, Madurese, and Minangkabau are among the Austronesian languages spoken in Indonesia. Although these languages share distant historical relationships, they have developed distinct characteristics over many centuries.
The eastern part of the country, particularly the island of New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua, contains numerous Papuan languages. These languages represent a wide range of linguistic groups and are not all members of a single language family. Many are unrelated to Austronesian languages and have distinctive grammatical and phonological features.
This combination of Austronesian and Papuan languages makes Indonesia particularly important for the study of language evolution, linguistic relationships, and human migration.
Geographical Distribution of Indonesian Languages
The distribution of languages across Indonesia varies considerably from one island and region to another.
On Java, the country’s most populous island, Javanese and Sundanese are among the most widely spoken regional languages. Javanese is particularly prominent in Central Java and East Java, while Sundanese is concentrated mainly in West Java and parts of Banten. Madurese is spoken on Madura Island and in communities across parts of eastern Java.
Sumatra has a different linguistic landscape. Its major regional languages include Acehnese, Minangkabau, Batak languages, Lampung languages, and several varieties of Malay. The Batak languages of North Sumatra include Toba, Karo, Simalungun, Pakpak, Angkola, and Mandailing. These are related languages, but they should not automatically be treated as a single language.
In Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, numerous Dayak languages are spoken alongside Banjar and various Malay varieties. Sulawesi is home to languages such as Bugis, Makassarese, Toraja languages, and several other regional languages. In Bali and Lombok, Balinese and Sasak are important regional languages, respectively.
The islands of Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and the Indonesian part of New Guinea contain especially diverse linguistic communities. In some areas, neighbouring communities speak different languages even when their settlements are geographically close. Mountains, forests, islands, and historically limited contact between communities have contributed to the preservation and diversification of these languages.
Why the Number of Indonesian Languages Varies
Different publications and linguistic databases sometimes give different totals for the number of languages spoken in Indonesia. This does not necessarily mean that one source is incorrect. Language classification involves decisions about whether particular speech varieties should be regarded as separate languages or as dialects of a larger language.
The distinction between a language and a dialect is not always straightforward. Two varieties may share much of their vocabulary but differ substantially in pronunciation, grammar, or everyday intelligibility. In other cases, closely related varieties may be classified separately because their speakers maintain distinct linguistic identities and traditions.
Researchers also revise language classifications as new fieldwork becomes available. Some communities have languages that remain insufficiently documented, while other languages have several local varieties whose relationships are still being studied.
For these reasons, figures such as 700, 708, or other totals reported in linguistic references should be understood in relation to the source, its publication date, and the classification method it uses. A list of Indonesian languages is therefore best regarded as a record of documented linguistic diversity rather than a permanently fixed inventory.
The Role of Languages in Indonesian Society
Indonesia’s linguistic diversity coexists with the widespread use of Bahasa Indonesia. The national language enables communication across ethnic and regional boundaries and plays a central role in public education, government, business, and national identity.
Regional languages, meanwhile, remain important in family life, local communities, traditional ceremonies, oral literature, music, storytelling, and the transmission of cultural knowledge. They can express local identities and social relationships in ways that a national language may not fully reproduce.
Many Indonesians are multilingual, using a regional language in one setting and Indonesian in another. Speakers may also switch between languages during a conversation, a practice known as code-switching. Such language use reflects the practical realities of living in a multilingual society.
More
List of 527 Languages in Nigeria An alphabetical reference to 527 language names reported for Nigeria, with notes on linguistic classification and links to Ethnologue, SIL…
List of Brazil Languages List of the languages spoken in Brazil, grouped by status and usage Official / National Language Portuguese (Brazilian Portuguese) —…
List of Bhutan Languages Bhutan is a small yet remarkably diverse Himalayan kingdom nestled between China and India. Despite its modest population and land…
List of languages in Angola by province The languages in Angola according to province are: ProvinceLanguageBengoKimbundu, KikongoBenguelaUmbundu, OhvanyanekaEndUmbundu, CokweCabindaFiote, KikongoCuando CubangoNganguelaCuanza NorteKimbunduKwanza SulKimbundu, UbunduCuneneOshiwamboHuamboUmbunduHuilaOlunhaneka, UmbunduLuandaKimbunduLunda NorteCokweLunda SouthCokweMalanjeKimbunduMoxicoCokwe,…
List of languages in Kaduna Kaduna comprises numerous ethnic groups and the groups have their own languages Most of the languages are spoken in Southern Kaduna.…
Languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina Language in Bosnia and Herzegovina is closely tied to history, identity, and politics. While the country is linguistically unified in…
Bolivia 37 Official Languages and Others Official Languages of Bolivia (37) (Recognized by the 2009 Constitution) Spanish (Castilian) Aymara Quechua Araona Baure Bésiro (Chiquitano) Canichana Cavineño…
