The Indonesian government is planning to implement a controversial plan that will require all foreigners working or studying in the country to pass a language proficiency exam. The Indonesian Ministry of Education´s Dendi Sugono, head of the ministry´s language center, states, "Indonesians wishing to work or study abroad have to take tests in foreign languages, therefore if foreigners want to work or study in Indonesia, they should also go through the same procedure."

The language proficiency exam will test foreigners´ abilities in Bahasa Indonesia, Indonesia´s national language. The proposed exam was first suggested by the Manpower and Transmigration Minister, Jacob Nuwa Wea, and may be implemented as early as 2004. The exam will most likely consist of a 135-minute test. Foreigners will be charged approximately US$20 to take the test. Those who fail to pass the test will be required to retake the exam at regular intervals, paying the test fee each time.

Many have argued against the institution of the language proficiency exam stating that the test would only be used as a means to collect money from foreigners. The exam would also pose an additional obstacle to foreign investment in Indonesia, which has already decreased significantly in recent years. Marty Natalegawa, a spokesman for Indonesia´s Foreign Ministry, commented that the test may even help Indonesians, and not just foreigners, brush up on their language skills, however, he added, "I would not require legislation or ordering of anyone to make it happen."