English for Specific Purposes ESP: An Existing Resource to English Medium Instruction (EMI) Implementation in Indonesian Higher Education

Abstract

The article reviews current issues in the internationalization of higher education in Indonesia. English medium instruction (EMI), especially when offering an international class, is closely related to the agenda of higher education internationalization. Despite gaining popularity, EMI implementation encounters challenges. The studies report challenges especially experienced by the lecturers and students. The research also highlights that such challenges are due to a limited understanding of the institutional stakeholders in providing necessary support to both key universities stakeholders. This article also argues how English for Specific Purposes, or ESP, can be a solution to the reported challenges in the implementation of EMI. Using the review of documented studies on EMI and ESP in Indonesia, the research in this article uses a descriptive approach to argue for the potential of ESP practice implement EMI programs in Indonesia. Qualitative thematic data analysis is used to discuss how ESP can provide solutions. Some implications include a need for revitalization of the ESP curriculum where nurturing collaboration between English language and content lecturers and providing ongoing teacher professional development (TPD) to the teachers are key actions.