ESP in Context: A Systematic Review of Practices, Challenges and Innovations in a Middle-Income Country

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an important component in educational systems worldwide, particularly in middle-income countries (MICs) such as Indonesia, where globalisation and internationalisation have driven the demand for English proficiency. This systematic literature review synthesises existing research on ESP practices within the Indonesian context to identify key trends, gaps, and challenges in current practices and inform future curriculum development and policy directions. Sixty studies, screened against predefined inclusion criteria, were analysed to address the overarching question of how ESP is conceptualised and implemented in Indonesia. The synthesis identified three themes concerning students’ language and communication needs across professional fields, the challenges and strategies involved in ESP teaching, and the use of innovations such as technology and alternative pedagogical approaches. Overall, the review synthesises current trends, challenges, and practices in ESP education, while offering insights transferable to other MICs with similar socioeconomic conditions. The findings provide implications for researchers, educators, and policymakers seeking to enhance ESP provision in comparable contexts.