PART 1:
Examiner: Good morning/afternoon. Can you tell me your full name, please?
Candidate: Good morning. My name is Wara.
Examiner: Thank you. And where are you from?
Candidate: I’m from Indonesia.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself. Let’s talk about holidays. Do you prefer spending holidays with friends or with family? And why?
Candidate: I prefer spending holidays with my wife. It’s a simpler arrangement, really – we don’t have children yet, and I’m not particularly close with friends these days, so holidays tend to be just the two of us. This actually suits me quite well because it’s more intimate and relaxed. We can make decisions quickly without having to coordinate with multiple people, and we can focus entirely on each other’s company without the dynamics that come with larger groups.
Examiner: What kind of holiday accommodation do you like to stay in? And why?
Candidate: I definitely prefer five-star hotels or resorts with private beach access. The main appeal is the quality and comfort – after working hard throughout the year, I want to truly relax without any stress or inconvenience. Having a private beach is particularly important because it means we can enjoy the sunset peacefully without crowds of tourists. The service at high-end resorts is also exceptional, which contributes to a more restful and enjoyable experience. Essentially, I view holidays as opportunities for genuine luxury and relaxation, not just a change of location.
Examiner: What plans do you have for your next holiday?
Candidate: Honestly, I don’t have any concrete plans at the moment because financially I’m quite stretched. However, if I had the money available, I would definitely return to Bandung – that’s my first choice, 100 percent. I studied there during university, and it holds a special place in my heart. The city has a pleasant climate, good food, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Jakarta, which makes it ideal for unwinding.
Examiner: Is your city or region a good place for other people to visit on holiday? Why or why not?
Candidate: Jakarta? Not really, to be honest. It’s not an ideal holiday destination for most tourists. If I were recommending places in Indonesia, I’d suggest Batu in Malang, which has beautiful natural attractions and a cool climate, or Jogjakarta for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. For beach destinations, some of the more expensive, exclusive areas in Bali can be wonderful. However, I’d caution against the cheaper, more popular areas of Bali because they’ve become extremely overcrowded with tourists, which really diminishes the experience. Jakarta is better suited for business or transit rather than leisure tourism.
PART 2: Monologue
Examiner: Now, I’m going to give you a topic and I’d like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. Before you talk, you’ll have one minute to think about what you’re going to say, and you can make some notes if you wish. Do you understand?
Candidate: Yes, I understand.
Examiner: Here’s your topic. I’d like you to describe a car journey you made that took longer than expected.
[One minute preparation time]
Examiner: All right? Remember, you have one to two minutes for this. Don’t worry if I stop you. I’ll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?
Candidate: Yes, certainly. I’d like to describe a particularly memorable and rather unpleasant bus journey I took from Bandung to Palembang during my university years.
This journey happened when I was studying at Padjadjaran University in Bandung, and I needed to travel back to my family home in Palembang. I was traveling alone, which I often did as a student making trips between my university and hometown. The journey was supposed to take around twelve to fourteen hours, which was already quite long, but what actually transpired was significantly worse.
During the journey, I felt absolutely miserable. The discomfort began fairly early on, but it progressively worsened as the trip continued. The physical discomfort combined with the uncertainty about when we’d actually arrive created this mounting sense of frustration and exhaustion. I remember feeling increasingly irritable and just desperately wanting the journey to end, but having no control over the situation whatsoever.
The reason this journey took so much longer than expected was a series of unfortunate mechanical problems with the bus. The most significant issue was that the air conditioning system broke down completely. Now, if you know anything about Indonesia’s climate, you’ll understand how unbearable a bus journey becomes without air conditioning – the heat and humidity are absolutely oppressive, especially in a crowded vehicle. But it got worse – the bus experienced additional engine problems serious enough that we couldn’t continue in that vehicle. We had to stop in what felt like the middle of nowhere and wait for a replacement bus to arrive and collect all the passengers. This wait lasted approximately two hours, during which we were essentially stranded on the side of the road with minimal facilities, in the heat, with no clear information about when help would arrive.
What should have been an already exhausting fourteen-hour journey ended up taking somewhere around eighteen to nineteen hours. By the time I finally arrived in Palembang, I was completely drained – physically uncomfortable, mentally exhausted, and deeply relieved that the ordeal was over. It was one of those travel experiences that makes you genuinely appreciate comfortable, reliable transportation.
Examiner: Do you still travel by bus for long journeys now?
Candidate: No, I try to avoid it whenever possible. If I need to travel long distances now, I’d much rather fly or at least take a train. That experience certainly influenced my preferences.
PART 3: Discussion
Examiner: We’ve been talking about car journeys, and I’d like to discuss with you one or two more general questions related to this. Let’s consider first of all driving in your country. How interested are young people in your country in learning to drive?
Candidate: I’d say there’s quite strong interest among young people in Indonesia in learning to drive, though the reasons and circumstances vary. In major cities like Jakarta, having a driver’s license is often seen as an important life skill and a marker of independence and adulthood. Many young people are eager to learn as soon as they reach the legal age. However, the practical reality is that actually owning a car is expensive, and Jakarta’s notorious traffic congestion means that driving isn’t always the most efficient way to get around. Motorcycles are actually more popular among younger people because they’re more affordable and can navigate traffic more easily. In more rural or less congested areas, there’s perhaps even greater interest in driving because public transportation is often inadequate, making a car or motorcycle essential for mobility. That said, with the rise of ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab, some young urban dwellers are less motivated to learn to drive because they can easily get transportation on demand without the expense and hassle of owning a vehicle.
Examiner: What are the differences between driving in the countryside and driving in the city?
Candidate: The differences are quite substantial, actually. City driving, particularly in Jakarta, is characterized by heavy congestion, constant stop-and-start traffic, and the need for heightened alertness because of aggressive drivers, motorcycles weaving between lanes, and pedestrians. It requires patience and defensive driving skills because the traffic is unpredictable and often chaotic. You might spend two hours traveling what should be a twenty-minute journey due to congestion. Parking is also a constant challenge and expense in cities. In contrast, countryside driving is generally much more pleasant and straightforward – there’s far less traffic, roads are more open, and you can actually maintain consistent speeds and enjoy the journey itself. However, rural roads present their own challenges: they might be narrower, less well-maintained, with more potholes, and occasionally you’ll encounter unexpected obstacles like animals on the road or agricultural vehicles. Lighting is also often inadequate at night in rural areas, making visibility more difficult. But overall, most drivers find countryside driving far less stressful than navigating urban traffic, even accounting for these challenges.
Examiner: Do you consider most drivers where you live to be good drivers?
Candidate: Honestly, no, I wouldn’t characterize the majority of drivers in Jakarta as particularly good. There are certainly competent drivers, but the overall driving culture leaves much to be desired. Many drivers are quite aggressive, frequently changing lanes without signaling, cutting people off, and showing little consideration for other road users. There’s often a mentality of “me first” rather than cooperative traffic flow. Traffic rules are frequently ignored or only loosely followed – running red lights, illegal U-turns, and improper use of emergency lanes are common occurrences. Motorcyclists are particularly problematic, often driving recklessly and squeezing through impossibly narrow gaps between cars. Part of this stems from poor driver education and lax enforcement of traffic laws. The corruption that allows people to essentially buy licenses without proper testing also contributes to the problem. That said, I think many drivers have developed certain skills simply out of necessity – navigating Jakarta’s chaotic traffic requires a certain level of awareness and quick reflexes. But “good driving” in the sense of being safe, courteous, and rule-abiding? That’s unfortunately not the norm in my experience.
Examiner: How popular are electric cars in your country?
Candidate: Electric cars are still quite rare in Indonesia, though there’s growing interest and government initiatives to promote them. At present, you might occasionally see electric vehicles in wealthy neighborhoods or as part of corporate fleets, but they’re far from mainstream. The primary barriers to adoption are cost – electric vehicles are significantly more expensive than conventional cars, making them accessible only to affluent buyers – and infrastructure. Charging stations are extremely limited outside of Jakarta and a few other major cities, creating range anxiety for potential buyers. There’s also a general lack of awareness about electric vehicles’ benefits and concerns about maintenance, battery life, and resale value. The automotive market in Indonesia has been dominated by petrol motorcycles and cars for decades, and changing that established ecosystem takes time. However, the government has introduced incentives like tax breaks and is investing in charging infrastructure, and several manufacturers are beginning to introduce more affordable electric models. So while electric vehicles are currently a tiny fraction of vehicles on the road, there’s potential for growth in the coming years, particularly if prices decrease and infrastructure improves.
Examiner: In what ways could more people be persuaded to buy electric cars?
Candidate: I think a multi-pronged approach is necessary. The most critical factor is addressing cost – if electric vehicles could be priced comparably to conventional vehicles, either through technological advances reducing production costs or through substantial government subsidies, that would dramatically increase adoption. Infrastructure development is equally crucial; people need confidence that they can charge their vehicles conveniently, whether at home, work, or public charging stations throughout their likely travel routes. This requires significant investment in charging networks. Financial incentives beyond purchase price would also help – reduced registration fees, toll road exemptions, free parking in city centers, or preferential access to certain lanes could make ownership more attractive. Public education campaigns highlighting the long-term cost savings from lower fuel and maintenance costs, as well as environmental benefits, could shift perceptions. Making corporate and government vehicle fleets electric would increase visibility and normalize electric vehicles in the public consciousness. Additionally, manufacturers could offer strong warranties and battery replacement programs to address concerns about long-term reliability and costs. Finally, improving public transportation and integrating electric vehicles into broader sustainable urban planning would create an ecosystem where electric vehicle ownership makes practical sense rather than being an isolated consumer choice.
Examiner: Do you think all cars will be electric one day?
Candidate: It’s quite likely, though the timeline is uncertain and will vary significantly by region. In wealthy countries with strong environmental commitments and the resources to invest in infrastructure, we’re already seeing aggressive timelines for phasing out internal combustion engines – some countries have announced plans to ban new petrol car sales by 2030 or 2040. The technological trajectory suggests that electric vehicles will continue improving in range, charging speed, and affordability while becoming increasingly superior to conventional vehicles in performance. Battery technology is advancing rapidly, and as production scales up, costs should decrease significantly. Environmental pressures and climate commitments will likely drive stronger government mandates and regulations that accelerate this transition. However, I think the transition in developing countries like Indonesia will be considerably slower. The infrastructure investment required is enormous, many people simply can’t afford more expensive vehicles regardless of long-term savings, and there’s less political will or financial capacity to force rapid change. There might also be niche applications where internal combustion engines or alternative technologies like hydrogen fuel cells prove more practical than batteries. So while I think the dominant global trend is clearly toward electric vehicles, and they’ll likely become the overwhelming majority eventually, I’m skeptical that we’ll see 100% electric vehicles uniformly worldwide within the next few decades. It’ll be more of a gradual, uneven transition with some regions and vehicle types converting much faster than others.
Examiner: Thank you very much. That is the end of the speaking test.
Candidate: Thank you.
