EFL Reading In Indonesian Universities: Perspectives and Challenges in Cultural Contexts

Reading is the main focus of tertiary English programs in Indonesia. Although there is a body of research into the development of English at tertiary level and evidence of low outcomes, there is little into the development of reading in English. This paper discusses implementation of EFL reading program in Indonesian universities and offers recommendations for further research on reading instruction and cultural contexts. Since the role of culture has rarely been elaborated in EFL reading in Indonesia, the researcher highlights current theories of EFL reading in relation to cultural conditions affecting the teaching of reading in Indonesia. This clarifies not only the constraints which may hinder the reading instruction, but also uncover potential resources and perspectives on how effective reading program should be implemented in Indonesian universities.