'/></svg>)
After publishing Get Talking Indonesian, I thought I had reached a personal milestone. But life had other plans. That book opened the door to something bigger — a journey that would continue to grow, one practical Bahasa Indonesia learning tool at a time.
Representing Indonesia at the Frankfurt Book Fair
One of the proudest moments in my early author journey came in 2015, when Get Talking Indonesian was exhibited at the Frankfurt Book Fair. To represent Indonesia at such a prestigious global event was an honor I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just about having a book on display — it was about sharing the beauty of the Indonesian language with the world. That moment reaffirmed my mission: to help more expats connect with Indonesia through practical, easy-to-use language tools.
Writing with Purpose: What Learners Truly Need
Every book I wrote after that had its own purpose, shaped by what learners needed most. Some titles were designed for travelers or newcomers who needed quick, essential phrases. Others offered more structured lessons for expats committed to understanding the language more deeply. But my approach stayed consistent — everything had to be practical and applicable. I wanted readers to use what they learned immediately, whether they were greeting their helper in the morning, asking for directions, or ordering food at a warung. The goal? Make Bahasa Indonesia less intimidating and more accessible, especially for beginners.
Adapting to Different Book Formats
Working with different publishers meant adapting to different structures and expectations. While I always tried to stay true to my practical teaching style, I also had to learn to mold each book’s format to fit its intended use — from phrasebooks to grammar-focused titles. One of the most challenging yet rewarding projects was Indonesian for Beginners. Unlike my earlier phrase-based books, this one required a more organized, grammar-inclusive format. The challenge was to introduce essential language rules without overwhelming learners. I worked hard to strike a balance — offering clarity, flow, and real-world usefulness all in one.
A Cross-Cultural Project: Bahasa Arab System 52 Minggu
In 2015, something unexpected happened. One of my students, Mr. Salih Jamaan Alzahrani from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, was inspired by my written materials. He dreamed of creating a Bahasa Arab series for Indonesian learners. I introduced him to my publisher, and soon, we were working together. He wrote the content in English, and I co-authored the Indonesian translation. The result: Bahasa Arab System 52 Minggu, a project that beautifully combined language learning with cultural collaboration. This experience reminded me that language bridges more than communication — it builds relationships, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Reality Behind the Books
Of course, creating a collection of language resources didn’t happen without challenges. Time management was the toughest. While writing, I continued to teach full-time — my main source of income — and at the same time, I was a mom to two active teenagers who needed me. Juggling those responsibilities wasn’t easy. But I believed in the mission. Every late night and early morning was powered by my passion to make Bahasa Indonesia easier for foreigners who call this country home.
Seeing the Results
There’s no greater reward than hearing how my books helped someone. Whether it’s a message from a student who finally had the confidence to speak in Indonesian or a photo of my book on a bookstore shelf — like when I spotted Indonesian for Beginners at Gramedia in 2017 — these moments keep me going. Each book is more than just a publication — it’s a small part of someone’s story in Indonesia. That’s the most fulfilling part of this journey.
What’s Next? A Bigger Stage Awaits
Each project has taught me new things — not only about writing and publishing but also about perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of sharing knowledge. But the journey doesn’t end here. In Part 3, Representing Indonesia at Frankfurt & London Book Fairs – A Milestone for My Teaching Journey, I’ll take you behind the scenes of another major milestone: bringing my books to an even larger international audience at the London Book Fair. I can’t wait to share that story with you — stay tuned!
📘
Start Learning Bahasa Indonesia Today!
Start Learning Bahasa Indonesia Today!Ready to begin your own language journey? Whether you're new to Indonesia or have lived here for years, there's a book that fits your learning style and needs. All my titles are available on Google Play Books — practical, simple, and designed with expats in mind.
