International Office and Language Development Center (Pusat Pengembangan Bahasa) of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Strengthen BIPA Program and Prepare German Language Class Launch to Support Internationalization and Global Readiness
Cirebon, May 27, 2025 — As part of its mission to build a globally responsive academic environment, the International Office IO of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon held a coordination meeting to review and strengthen its BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia for Foreign Speakers) program while also preparing for the launch of a German language class. The meeting was led by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. (Director of International Office), and attended by Ms. Royani Afriani, M.Pd. (Head of BIPA Program), Nurhannah Widianti, M.Pd. (Team of BIPA Program), and Dr. Nana Priajana (Language Development Center/PPB). Together, these key stakeholders assessed ongoing challenges, addressed strategic needs, and proposed curriculum innovations to support the linguistic, cultural, and academic readiness of international students at UINSSC.
During the discussion, the International Office emphasized the need for a more structured and globally aligned SOP for the BIPA program, referencing Australian and Jakarta-based BIPA standards as initial models. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. stressed that BIPA must not merely serve as a language tool, but as an academic gateway to Indonesian culture, society, and intellectual heritage. A targeted focus will be placed on creating SOPs that highlight international relevance, local wisdom, and intercultural competency. The International Office will also support the creation of bilingual content and thematic modules adapted to students’ global contexts. “We don’t teach just grammar—we help students access meaning, culture, and belonging,” said Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D.
In response to recurring system and data migration issues within the Language Development Center, the meeting also discussed the importance of administrative recovery and digital support. The lack of a dedicated BIPA email address and absence of student support for digitization were seen as critical gaps that must be addressed to ensure sustainable operations. The International Office committed to facilitating infrastructure improvements to support long-term digital access and communication. These technical details, while often overlooked, are essential to the internationalization efforts that IO continues to champion.
The team also discussed differentiated approaches for international students, particularly within the SN-GES 2025 program scheduled for July–August. A customized method of instruction, starting from A1–A2 levels, will be paired with peer tutors and supported by structured learning tools such as digital modules and e-books. Assessment will also shift toward authentic performance-based models such as portfolios, simulations, and collaborative presentations.
Curriculum development emerged as a major theme, with the International Office calling for BIPA’s integration into broader faculty curricula. The Language Development Center or Pusat Pengembangan Bahasa encouraged to innovate with level-adjusted reading texts, thematically consistent yet adaptable based on comprehension levels. The meeting also introduced the idea of a cultural showcase involving international students, which could serve as a platform for intercultural learning and student engagement. This aligns with IO’s vision of not just teaching international students, but integrating them into the academic and social fabric of the university.
A proposal was also discussed to host a BIPA-focused seminar in collaboration with international BIPA educators and institutions, creating a forum for knowledge exchange, benchmarking, and regional cooperation. Additionally, curriculum innovation was identified as a priority area for research projection and quality enhancement. The International Office believes that BIPA must not remain static—it must be continuously refined to reflect both global linguistic standards and evolving student needs. Research-based planning, SOP alignment, and intercultural objectives will form the foundation of this long-term strategy.
As the meeting closed, the International Office reaffirmed its role as the engine of global programs at UINSSC. With a renewed focus on language preparation, curriculum alignment, and intercultural sensitivity, the IO is not only supporting international students—it is creating systems that invite them to thrive. “Language is the first step toward connection. Through BIPA and German class development, we are giving students the tools to access worlds—both here and abroad,” concluded Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. Through collaboration, clarity, and care, the International Office continues to transform internationalization from a concept into a lived, meaningful experience.
Authors: Resa Diah Gayatri, Cahya Salsabilla, and Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna