UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and the Indonesian Consulate in Darwin Open Opportunities for Student Internships as BIPA Teaching Assistants in Australia
Cirebon, March 13, 2025 — UIN Siber Universitas Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC), also known as the Cyber Islamic University (CIU), in collaboration with the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) in Darwin, Australia, has launched an international internship program for UINSSC students as Indonesian Language Teacher Assistants in the Bahasa Indonesia for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program. This program is designed to support students' skill development while also strengthening the presence of the Indonesian language at the international level, particularly in Australia.
Interest in learning the Indonesian language in Australia is currently experiencing a significant decline. A report by The Australian in December 2024 noted that the number of students studying Indonesian has dropped drastically compared to five decades ago, with projections indicating that the language could disappear from Australian universities by 2031. This decline is attributed to various factors, including a lack of motivation, the belief that English is sufficient, and inconsistent promotional efforts.
In response to this challenge, UINSSC has taken concrete steps through the BIPA program, which has proven effective in teaching Indonesian to international students. With a communicative and innovative approach, the program utilizes direct interaction with native speakers as well as digital technology to accelerate learning. This success serves as a strong foundation for developing effective BIPA teaching strategies in Australia.
This collaboration is also fully supported by the Indonesian Consulate in Darwin, led by Consul Bagus Hendraning Kobarsih, as well as the Education and Cultural Attaché (Atdikbud) in Canberra, currently headed by Prof. Dr. Mukhamad Najib. Both the Indonesian Consulate in Darwin and the Atdikbud at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra will assist UINSSC in establishing connections with the Northern Territory Department of Education to facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU will serve as the foundation for a long-term partnership between UINSSC, the federal government, and the state government in Australia to implement this internship program sustainably.
Through this program, UINSSC students will be sent as BIPA teaching assistants to educational institutions in Darwin and other regions in Australia. Not only will this enhance their cross-cultural teaching skills, but it will also strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia in the fields of education and culture. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s language and cultural diplomacy strategy to promote the Indonesian language at the international level.
If realized, this program will mark an important milestone in promoting the Indonesian language in Australia, while also strengthening Indonesia’s position as a center of education and culture in the Asia-Pacific region. More than just an academic program, this initiative is a long-term investment in building bridges of understanding, reinforcing national identity, and ensuring that the Indonesian language continues to have a place on the global stage.
As more young Australians become familiar with and proficient in the Indonesian language, bilateral relations between the two countries will grow stronger, opening up more opportunities for cooperation in education, economics, and social sectors. This program is not only about teaching a language but also about building a strong cultural bridge between Indonesia and Australia.
This initiative will be a monumental step for UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon in its efforts to internationalize the university on the global stage. Through soft diplomacy embedded in the teaching of Indonesian as a Foreign Language (BIPA), UINSSC is not only introducing the language but also bringing the noble values of Indonesian culture to the international community. This program is concrete proof that education can serve as a powerful tool of diplomacy to build bridges between nations.
By sending students as ambassadors of language and culture, UINSSC demonstrates its commitment to becoming a pioneer in promoting Indonesian identity on the global stage. This spirit serves as an inspiration for the younger generation of Indonesia to continue innovating, crossing geographical boundaries, and bringing the nation's name to the height of global recognition. Through this program, UINSSC is not only producing skilled educators but also future leaders who are ready to advocate for diversity, tolerance, and unity in an increasingly interconnected world. This is a significant step toward realizing the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, where education and culture serve as the forefront of international diplomacy.
Author: Indah Fitri Nurhidayah