Millennials Most Proficient in Indonesian in 2022

A report by Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) indicates a continuous increase in Indonesian language proficiency across generations.

The BPS data reflects everyday Indonesian language usage. Millennials (born 1981-1996) demonstrate the highest proficiency, with 99.61% demonstrating competency.

Following millennials, 99.53% of Gen Z (1997-2012) are proficient in Indonesian, followed by 98.61% of Gen X (1965-1980).

Post-Gen Z individuals (>2013) show a lower proficiency rate at 95.72%.

Among Post-Gen Z individuals who lack Indonesian proficiency, the BPS notes that 97% are more fluent in their regional mother tongue, 0.21% use a foreign language, and 2.38% use sign language.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964) follow with 93.3% Indonesian proficiency.

Finally, the pre-Boomer generation (born 1945 and earlier) shows the lowest proficiency at 80.07%.

"This is understandable, as although Indonesian was declared the national language through the Youth Pledge in 1928, its penetration throughout Indonesia took time," the BPS report states.

The data also suggests that regional languages remain dominant among these older generations, both as mother tongues and for daily communication.