Indonesian, also known as Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language of Indonesia. With over 270 million people speaking it, mastering this language can open up numerous opportunities for travel, business, and cultural understanding. For intermediate learners, reaching a B2 level can be a significant milestone. B2 is considered an upper-intermediate level, where you can communicate more fluently and understand complex texts. To help you achieve this, we have compiled a list of the best B2 Indonesian books to learn Indonesian.

Why Choose B2 Level Books?

Before diving into the list, it’s essential to understand why B2 level books are crucial for your learning journey:

1. Enhanced Vocabulary: B2 books introduce you to more advanced vocabulary, helping you to better express yourself in various contexts.

2. Improved Grammar: These books provide a deeper understanding of complex grammatical structures, which are essential for fluency.

3. Real-life Application: B2 books often include practical exercises and real-life scenarios to help you apply your knowledge effectively.

4. Cultural Insights: Many B2 books incorporate cultural elements, giving you a holistic understanding of the Indonesian language and its context.

Top B2 Indonesian Books to Learn Indonesian

1. “Bahasa Indonesia: B2 Coursebook” by Yulius P. Hermawan

Yulius P. Hermawan’s “Bahasa Indonesia: B2 Coursebook” is a comprehensive guide designed specifically for upper-intermediate learners. This book covers a wide range of topics and includes various exercises to help reinforce your learning.

Key Features:

1. Comprehensive Vocabulary Lists: Each chapter includes a list of essential vocabulary words and phrases.

2. Grammar Explanations: Detailed explanations of complex grammatical structures with examples.

3. Cultural Notes: Insights into Indonesian culture, customs, and traditions.

4. Practice Exercises: Numerous exercises to test your understanding and reinforce learning.

2. “Indonesian for Intermediate Learners” by Katherine Davidsen

Katherine Davidsen’s “Indonesian for Intermediate Learners” is another excellent resource for those aiming to reach a B2 level. This book is part of a series that gradually increases in difficulty, ensuring a smooth learning curve.

Key Features:

1. Structured Lessons: Organized into easy-to-follow lessons with clear objectives.

2. Audio Resources: Accompanying audio files to improve listening skills and pronunciation.

3. Real-life Scenarios: Dialogues and exercises based on real-life situations.

4. Progress Tracking: Tools to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

3. “Complete Indonesian” by Christopher Byrnes and Eva Nyimas

“Complete Indonesian” by Christopher Byrnes and Eva Nyimas is a well-rounded book that caters to intermediate learners. This book is part of the Teach Yourself series, known for its practical approach to language learning.

Key Features:

1. Step-by-Step Guide: Gradual progression from basic to advanced topics.

2. Interactive Exercises: Various exercises, including quizzes and puzzles, to make learning fun.

3. Cultural Insights: Information on Indonesian culture, history, and society.

4. Audio Support: Audio resources to enhance listening and speaking skills.

4. “Indonesian Grammar in Context” by Ellen Rafferty

Ellen Rafferty’s “Indonesian Grammar in Context” is a must-have for those looking to deepen their understanding of Indonesian grammar. This book is ideal for B2 learners who want to master complex grammatical structures.

Key Features:

1. In-Depth Grammar Explanations: Detailed explanations of advanced grammatical concepts.

2. Contextual Examples: Examples of grammar usage in real-life contexts.

3. Exercises and Drills: Practice exercises to reinforce grammar knowledge.

4. Cultural Context: Insights into how grammar is used in Indonesian culture and society.

5. “Indonesian Short Stories for Intermediate Learners” by Lingo Mastery

“Indonesian Short Stories for Intermediate Learners” by Lingo Mastery is a collection of short stories designed to improve your reading and comprehension skills. This book is perfect for B2 learners who want to enjoy reading while learning.

Key Features:

1. Engaging Stories: A variety of short stories that are both entertaining and educational.

2. Vocabulary Lists: Glossaries for each story to help you learn new words.

3. Comprehension Questions: Questions at the end of each story to test your understanding.

4. Cultural References: Stories that provide insights into Indonesian culture and traditions.

6. “Indonesian Verbs and Essentials of Grammar” by Ina Rachmalia

Ina Rachmalia’s “Indonesian Verbs and Essentials of Grammar” is an excellent resource for learners who want to focus on verbs and essential grammar points. This book is particularly useful for B2 learners who need a solid grammatical foundation.

Key Features:

1. Verb Conjugations: Comprehensive coverage of Indonesian verb conjugations.

2. Grammar Essentials: Detailed explanations of essential grammar rules.

3. Practice Exercises: Exercises to test your understanding of verbs and grammar.

4. Useful Phrases: Lists of common phrases and expressions.

7. “Indonesian: A Comprehensive Grammar” by James Sneddon

James Sneddon’s “Indonesian: A Comprehensive Grammar” is a highly detailed grammar reference book. While it covers all levels, it is particularly beneficial for B2 learners who need an in-depth understanding of grammar.

Key Features:

1. Detailed Grammar Explanations: Thorough explanations of complex grammatical structures.

2. Examples and Exercises: Numerous examples and exercises to reinforce learning.

3. Cultural Context: Information on how grammar is used in different cultural contexts.

4. Reference Material: An excellent reference book for advanced learners.

8. “Indonesian for Busy People” by Fumiko Koide

Fumiko Koide’s “Indonesian for Busy People” is designed for learners who have a busy schedule but still want to achieve a B2 level. This book is perfect for those who need a flexible and efficient learning method.

Key Features:

1. Time-Saving Lessons: Short, concise lessons that fit into a busy schedule.

2. Practical Vocabulary: Focus on vocabulary that is useful in everyday situations.

3. Interactive Exercises: Engaging exercises to reinforce learning.

4. Audio Resources: Accompanying audio files to improve listening and speaking skills.

9. “Colloquial Indonesian” by Sutanto Atmosumarto

“Colloquial Indonesian” by Sutanto Atmosumarto is part of the Colloquial series, known for its practical approach to language learning. This book is ideal for B2 learners who want to improve their conversational skills.

Key Features:

1. Colloquial Expressions: Focus on colloquial expressions and everyday language.

2. Dialogue-Based Lessons: Lessons based on dialogues to improve conversational skills.

3. Exercises and Quizzes: Various exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning.

4. Cultural Insights: Information on Indonesian culture and customs.

10. “Indonesian Idioms and Expressions” by Christopher Byrnes

Christopher Byrnes’ “Indonesian Idioms and Expressions” is an excellent resource for B2 learners who want to sound more natural and fluent in Indonesian. This book focuses on idiomatic expressions and phrases commonly used by native speakers.

Key Features:

1. Idiomatic Expressions: Comprehensive coverage of Indonesian idioms and expressions.

2. Examples and Usage: Examples of how idioms are used in real-life situations.

3. Practice Exercises: Exercises to test your understanding of idiomatic expressions.

4. Cultural Context: Insights into the cultural context of idiomatic expressions.

11. “Practice Makes Perfect: Intermediate Indonesian Grammar” by Eriko Sato

Eriko Sato’s “Practice Makes Perfect: Intermediate Indonesian Grammar” is part of the Practice Makes Perfect series, known for its practical approach to language learning. This book is ideal for B2 learners who want to improve their grammar skills.

Key Features:

1. Grammar Exercises: Numerous exercises to reinforce grammar knowledge.

2. Clear Explanations: Clear and concise explanations of complex grammar points.

3. Progress Tracking: Tools to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

4. Practice Drills: Drills to practice and reinforce grammar skills.

12. “Indonesian Reading Comprehension” by Lingo Mastery

“Indonesian Reading Comprehension” by Lingo Mastery is a book designed to improve your reading and comprehension skills. This book is perfect for B2 learners who want to enhance their reading abilities.

Key Features:

1. Reading Passages: Various reading passages on different topics.

2. Vocabulary Lists: Glossaries for each passage to help you learn new words.

3. Comprehension Questions: Questions at the end of each passage to test your understanding.

4. Cultural Insights: Passages that provide insights into Indonesian culture and traditions.

Conclusion

Reaching a B2 level in Indonesian is a significant achievement that opens up numerous opportunities for communication, travel, and cultural understanding. The books listed above are some of the best resources available to help you reach this level. Whether you are looking to improve your grammar, expand your vocabulary, or enhance your reading and comprehension skills, these books have got you covered. Invest in one or more of these books, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering Indonesian.