UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Students Share Research on Language, Culture, and AI at International Conference
Cirebon, July 02, 2025 — Several outstanding students from the English Language Education at Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon took part in the 4th International Conference on Learning and Education (ICLE) held by STKIP PGRI Pacitan on June 2, 2025. The conference gave these students a chance to share their latest research with experts and teachers. The program was set up to bring together local and global ideas for improving language learning. Participants also had time to build connections and find ideas for working together across different institutions.
The students who stood out included Cyrila Zahra Tsania with her study Integrating Local Folklore into Critical Reading Instruction: Affective Analysis of Sundanese Stories for Curriculum Enhancement, Farah Syifa Mutiara Riyadi’s AI-Augmented Analysis of Emotional and Aesthetic Patterns in Academic Writing Text, and Resa Diah Gayatri and Indah Fitri Nurhidayah’s research on the emotional and aesthetic parts of Grade 10 Merdeka textbooks using deep learning. Zahra Alifiani, Riska Meliya, Istiani, and Nabila Tofani also shared findings on empathy, speech rhythm, checking the curriculum, and using Higher-Order Thinking Skills in English learning. Each presentation followed clear steps, from theory to data analysis. Their hard work and rich data showed their dedication to solving language learning challenges in Indonesia. The audience was very interested, taking notes and paying close attention all the way through.
The students explained their research problems clearly, pointing out the value of local culture and the possible role of AI technology to make learning richer. Their findings showed ways to mix cultural elements and technology in a balanced way. The talks were lively and supported by useful data visuals. Everything was arranged in a logical order, making it easy for people from different backgrounds to follow along.
The event also featured two international speakers: Prof. Rudolf Wirawan from the Adelaide Business School in Australia, and Dr. Philippe Grange from the University of La Rochelle in France. Prof. Rudolf gave the first keynote talk, introducing the BIMA concept is short for Bridging Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Awareness as an alternative MBA program built on regenerative ideas. “BIMA is designed to bring together intelligence, awareness, and insight into one regenerative program,” Prof. Rudolf said confidently. He stressed that this approach aims not only for economic growth but also for social and environmental harmony. He gave clear examples that fit well with education settings. His straightforward style caught everyone’s attention from the start.
Prof. Rudolf then explained BIMA’s three main parts. The Intelligence part focuses on using science, data, and modern technology to make good decisions. The Mindfulness part promotes ethics and awareness based on Eastern philosophies like Yin-Yang and Taoism, plus values of togetherness from Ubuntu and Pancasila. The Awareness part highlights local wisdom and spiritual ecology to encourage harmony between people and nature. These three parts work together so the program can run in a sustainable and inclusive way.
Dr. Philippe Grange began his talk by explaining what artificial intelligence really is: “AI only puts words together based on statistical chances there is no real ‘understanding’ or creative thinking beyond mixing existing data,” he said firmly. He shared a funny example of AI asked to draw a clock showing 4:25 but always drawing a clock pointing to 10:00 showing that AI copies patterns without understanding. Next, Dr. Philippe pointed out that AI can act like a “modern Tower of Babel,” instantly translating thousands of languages. He said this could be very helpful for tourism and small businesses by removing language barriers in trade and travel.
However, he also warned about serious risks if AI is used without care. Dr. Philippe highlighted the danger of “hallucination,” where AI can make up false facts or misleading images like a satay restaurant that never existed or a missing cartoon character that look real but harm information accuracy.
He also talked about the threat of deepfakes, where voices and lip movements can be faked to carry out political scams or personal fraud that traps older people or those not good with technology. Dr. Philippe warned that AI might also be used for self-driving weapons and mass surveillance by governments, saying that if not well regulated, this technology could invade privacy and limit freedoms.
In closing, he asked everyone to see AI not as a replacement for teachers or translators, but as a tool that makes learning better. “Just as a calculator does not replace a math teacher, AI will never fully replace human interaction in deep learning,” he stressed. Dr. Philippe reminded the audience that learning how to use AI and thinking critically are key so that the technology is used wisely and ethically.
Author: Indah Fitri Nurhidayah