Students in Years 3–6 recently enjoyed a delicious cultural experience when our second Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador for 2026, Pak Fikri, travelled from Melbourne to share his passion for Indonesian cuisine.
Wearing his chef’s hat, Pak Fikri demonstrated how to cook one of Indonesia’s most popular dishes—nasi goreng (fried rice). Students discovered the ingredients that give the dish its authentic flavour, watched the cooking process, and even had the opportunity to fry their own krupuk tempeh (soybean chips).
The experience was about more than just food. Students also learned about traditional Indonesian snacks and practised useful Indonesian phrases such as minta lagi (more please), enak sekali (delicious), and sudah habis (there is none left!).
Along the way, they expanded their vocabulary with words they’ll be able to use on their next trip to Bali, including cabe (chilli), pedas (spicy), kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), and sambal (chilli sauce).
Students can now continue the learning at home by trying the linked nasi goreng recipe with their families. The secret to making it extra enak (delicious)? According to Pak Fikri, it might just be the bawang merah (red shallots) and mushroom stock powder!
Terima kasih banyak (thank you very much) to Pak Fikri for sharing his time and expertise with our students, and to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for supporting the Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador Program.
Ibu Jackie Drake – Indonesian Specialist
