"Emotion-Driven Language Learning: Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., and his Team Presents Transformative Framework for Under-Resourced Schools at Landmark Book Launch"
Cirebon, November 15, 2025 – The Luxton Hotel in Cirebon transformed into a hub of academic innovation as UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon's International Office hosted the official launch of "Multisensory CALL for Under-Resourced Universities and Schools in Indonesia,” and the AsiaCALL discussion. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of International Office, presided over the gathering attended by distinguished guests, academics, researchers, educators, and international representatives who chose to experience this. Among the notable attendees were Ania Lian, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Pham Vu Phi Ho, Assoc. Prof. Hassan Khosravi, Prof. Shameem Rafik-Galea, and Prof. Jeremy White, all traveling from different corners of the wolrd to celebrate this collaborative achievement. The event, held as part of the AsiaCALL International Conference 2025, radiated with genuine excitement as colleagues embraced after long separations and shared anticipation for the evening's revelations. What made this gathering particularly special was how everyone chose to be physically present, creating an atmosphere of authentic connection that virtual platforms simply cannot replicate.
The book launch centered around the groundbreaking Multisensory CALL (M-CALL) model developed specifically for educational institutions with limited resources—a cause close to UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon's mission of inclusive education. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., and Ania Lian, Ph.D., the two authors present in person (the other authors are Prof. Dr. Andrew Lian, Ph.D., and Luqman Baehaqi, Ph.D.) shared the deeply personal journey behind creating this innovative approach to language learning, their voices occasionally catching with emotion as they recounted years of collaboration across borders. They explained how M-CALL emerged not from theoretical isolation but from real classrooms where teachers struggled with outdated technology and students faced learning barriers. The "Reading for Emotion" framework, which prioritizes emotional engagement alongside academic content, proved particularly compelling to the audience as Lala Bumela, Ph.D., described watching students' eyes light up when they finally connected with material in meaningful ways. One attendee whispered to a colleague, "This is a lifeline for so many of our students."
During the heartfelt discussion, Lala Bumela, Ph.D., revealed how personal challenges nearly derailed the manuscript completion, yet ultimately strengthened his resolve to create something truly valuable for resource-constrained educational settings. Many had faced similar struggles balancing professional commitments with personal crises. Ania Lian, Ph.D., added how their transnational collaboration across Indonesia, Australia, and Thailand created not just academic synergy but genuine friendship that sustained them through difficult research phases. The audience responded with spontaneous applause when Lala Bumela, Ph.D., mentioned that empirical studies showed students using M-CALL consistently outperformed those using traditional genre-based methods, proving that emotional engagement isn't just nice to have, it's essential for learning.
The evening highlighted how UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon's International Office has become a vital connector in the global CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning) community, facilitating collaborations that transcend borders and bureaucratic barriers. What struck many attendees was how the office has evolved from merely processing paperwork to actively shaping academic innovation through strategic partnerships and thought leadership. The conversations revealed how the office's consistent support for faculty research has positioned UIN not just as a participant in global academic discourse but as a contributor with unique solutions for under-resourced contexts.
The book's significance extends far beyond academic circles, offering practical solutions for the thousands of Indonesian schools and universities struggling with limited technological resources in an increasingly digital world. During the gala, educators shared real stories of classrooms where outdated computers and spotty internet connections had previously hindered language learning, only to be transformed by the low-tech, high-impact strategies outlined in the M-CALL framework. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., emphasized how the International Office would support dissemination through teacher training workshops and potential app development, ensuring the research translates into tangible classroom improvements. As plates were cleared, the mood remained energized—this wasn't just another academic event but the beginning of a movement to make quality language education accessible to all.
Looking ahead, the International Office has already begun planning concrete next steps to transform the evening's enthusiasm into action, with a special focus on supporting under-resourced institutions across Indonesia and ASEAN. Lala Sudimantara, Ph.D., announced plans for a series of regional workshops starting in January 2026, where educators can learn to implement M-CALL strategies without requiring expensive technology investments. The office will also facilitate connections between Indonesian and Vietnamese academics to explore joint research opportunities building on the book's findings. During the final toast, Prof. Jeremy White praised how "this work demonstrates that innovation often comes not from the most resources, but from the most creative minds working together with purpose." As guests exchanged contact information and made plans for future collaborations, it was clear that the International Office had once again proven its value as the heartbeat of UIN's global engagement.
The evening concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among attendees, who left not just with a copy of the groundbreaking book but with concrete ideas for implementing its principles in their own contexts. For the International Office team, the successful event represented years of relationship-building coming to fruition, validating their approach of supporting faculty research while creating meaningful international connections. As the last guests departed into the Cirebon night, Lala Sudimantara, Ph.D., reflected on how events like this embody UIN's commitment to being both locally rooted and globally connected. The genuine warmth of the interactions throughout the evening—both during the formal program and the relaxed gala dinner—proved that sometimes the most powerful academic innovations begin not with technology, but with human connection. With the momentum generated from this launch, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon's International Office is poised to lead a new wave of inclusive, context-responsive language education across the region.
Author: Cahya Salsabilla