Introduction to Nusantara

---

Overview

Unit Title: Nusantara: Capital Transformation
Lesson Title: Introduction to Nusantara: Understanding the Concept
Subject: Languages – Indonesian
Year Level: Year 10
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Curriculum Links: Australian Curriculum – Languages – Indonesian (Years 9–10)
Strand: Understanding
Sub-strand:

• Systems of language: Investigate variations in textual and grammatical structures
• Role of language and culture: Explore how language shapes communication and identity

---

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain the historical and cultural significance of 'Nusantara' in Indonesian society
• Identify key geographical features linked to the concept of Nusantara
• Reflect on how cultural identity and geography interrelate in shaping languages

Success Criteria

Students will:

✅ Describe the meaning of 'Nusantara' and its historical roots
✅ Locate major geographical elements linked to Nusantara on a map
✅ Contribute thoughtful responses about language and identity through discussion

---

Materials Needed

• World map and globe
• Printed blank maps of Indonesia (one per student)
• Sticky notes (different colours)
• Whiteboard and whiteboard markers
• A4 poster paper (one per group)
• Markers, coloured pencils
• Short video clip (2 minutes – a cultural introduction to Nusantara, teacher-provided offline)

---

Lesson Sequence

1. Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes)

Title: Mind Map Madness

• In groups of four, students brainstorm everything they associate with Indonesia.
• Write words or phrases on sticky notes (one idea per sticky note).
• Stick them on the board under categories: Geography, Culture, Language, History (created by teacher).
• Quick whole-class share: Teacher draws lines connecting common ideas.

🧠 Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and prepare students for new concepts.

---

2. Introduction to Key Concept (15 minutes)

Title: What is Nusantara?

Teacher-led interactive session:

• Define 'Nusantara' historically (Majapahit Empire origin) and its modern relevance (archipelagic nation identity).
• Compare 'Nusantara' to 'Australia' as island nations—discuss perceptions of geography shaping national identity.
• Use the globe and project images/maps while speaking.

Students then individually:

• Write a quick reflective statement: "In my opinion, the concept of Nusantara helps show that Indonesia is __________ because __________."
• Teacher invites 2–3 volunteer shares.

---

3. Visual Exploration (15 minutes)

Title: Mapping Nusantara

• Students receive a blank map of Indonesia.
• Teacher points out and students label major islands and seas: Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, Papua, Java Sea, Banda Sea.
• Interactive Moment: Teacher challenges students — How might managing so many islands affect a country? (Brief group think-pair-share discussion.)

🗺️ Twist: Students decorate around the map edges with small icons representing cultural diversity (temples, dance, food).

---

4. Collaborative Creative Challenge (15 minutes)

Title: Nusantara Identity Posters

• Students form groups (4 students each).
• Each group creates a poster titled "Nusantara: More Than Just Islands!"
• Must include:
  • One historical fact
  • One geographical feature
  • Three words or phrases they think represent Nusantara identity
  • A visual symbol

🎨 Extra challenge: Include an Indonesian word (Indonesian-English word bank provided for support).

Groups present their posters informally around the room in a Gallery Walk.

---

5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

Title: Quick Connections

• Students individually complete an exit ticket:
  "One thing I found interesting about Nusantara today is _______."
• Collect on the way out.

Teacher previews that next lesson will dive deeper into capital cities, and the big move to Nusantara's new administrative capital — a "city of the future!"

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Support: Provide a mini Indonesian-English glossary for EAL/D students.
• Challenge: Invite early finishers to find an Indonesian proverb about islands or unity.
• Collaboration: Peer pairing for map activity if literacy support is needed.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Formative: Observation during discussion, exit tickets, participation in mapping and poster-making
• Informal: Poster content for understanding of key ideas and group collaboration skills

---

Teacher Notes

• Maintain a culturally sensitive perspective.
• Encourage use of Indonesian vocabulary when possible.
• Provide positive feedback that genuinely celebrates first attempts at unfamiliar terminology.

---

Future Learning Pathway

This introductory lesson provides the base knowledge required for:

• Understanding the shift from Jakarta to the new capital
• Cultural vs political factors behind Indonesia’s transformation
• Language use in the context of national identity and modernisation

---

End of Lesson

🎯 Aim high: Foster curious global citizens who recognise the world's cultural richness — starting with our dynamic neighbours!