Preparing Culturally Grounded Scholars: Research Development in English Education through the BIMA Framework
Kuningan, June 08, 2025 — In a recent academic initiative led by the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, a group of students specializing in English education embarked on a journey that blended language learning with cultural depth. Under the guidance of Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office, this program was designed not only to enhance linguistic competence but also to deepen students’ understanding of local knowledge systems. The focus was clear: to empower future educators and researchers to engage globally while staying rooted in their cultural heritage. Through fieldwork, literature analysis, and reflective practice, participants explored how English can serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity. This approach reflects the International Office’s commitment to fostering globally competitive yet locally grounded scholars.
The program centered around the integration of local wisdom into research topics within English education. Students were encouraged to explore indigenous narratives, folklore, and oral traditions through the lens of literary and linguistic studies. By engaging with Sundanese cosmology, including texts such as Lutung Kasarung and historical records from Situs Lingga, they began to see these stories not only as cultural artifacts but as rich sources for academic inquiry. This shift in perspective is crucial in developing research topics that are both contextually relevant and globally resonant. It also aligns with the growing trend in applied linguistics that values multilingualism and multicultural perspectives. The goal was to cultivate students’ ability to translate local narratives into scholarly discourse accessible to international audiences.
Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. played a pivotal role in guiding students toward deeper academic engagement. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking, ethical storytelling, and intercultural communication in shaping future research directions. “English is not just a tool for communication,” he reminded the group. “It is a medium through which we can preserve, interpret, and share our heritage with the world.” His mentorship included workshops on academic writing, comparative literature, and strategies for publishing in international journals. These sessions aimed to prepare students for further studies abroad while instilling a sense of responsibility to represent their culture authentically. Under his leadership, the International Office continues to redefine what it means to be a globally engaged scholar from Indonesia.
A key component of the program was the application of the BIMA framework (Bridging Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Awareness). This framework encourages learners to combine analytical rigor with emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity. In the context of English education, BIMA supports students in crafting research questions that honor both empirical standards and spiritual insight. For instance, one student explored how Sundanese ecological metaphors could inform environmental discourse in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. Another examined the translation ethics involved in rendering local legends into English academic texts. These projects exemplify how BIMA fosters a holistic approach to research, where intellect meets intuition. The result is scholarship that is not only academically sound but also ethically grounded.
The International Office also facilitated access to global academic resources, helping students identify potential universities and scholarship opportunities abroad. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. personally guided them in crafting research proposals that highlight Indonesian cultural assets in an international context. He encouraged them to present local wisdom not as exotic folklore, but as valuable contributions to global knowledge. Students learned how to frame their research using internationally recognized methodologies while maintaining authenticity in content and voice. This dual focus – on methodological precision and cultural integrity – has become a hallmark of the International Office’s mentoring style. As a result, many participants now feel equipped to pursue postgraduate studies in countries like the Australia and United Kingdom.
Beyond individual growth, this initiative contributes to broader institutional goals. By embedding local wisdom into English education research, the program strengthens UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon’s profile as a center for culturally responsive pedagogy. It also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between language studies, theology, and environmental humanities. The International Office sees this as part of a larger movement to decolonize knowledge production by empowering local voices in global academia. With each student who pursues further study overseas, a piece of Sundanese heritage finds its way into international discourse. And with every paper published or conference presentation delivered, the institution’s global visibility grows.
Ultimately, this journey represents more than academic training, it is a return to roots with a vision for the future. Guided by the BIMA framework and the mentorship of Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., students have begun to see themselves not only as language learners, but as cultural ambassadors and knowledge producers. Their work embodies the idea that true global citizenship begins at home, by understanding one’s own culture deeply before sharing it with the world. As the International Office continues to support such initiatives, it paves the way for a new generation of scholars who are fluent in English, grounded in local wisdom, and ready to make meaningful contributions on the world stage.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri