UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Supports BIPA Teaching Capacity Building Through Training with West Java Language Office
Cirebon, June 27, 2025 — A total of 30 teachers and BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia for Foreign Speakers) practitioners from various language and cultural institutions in Cirebon City and Regency gathered for a technical training (Bimtek) on BIPA instruction on Monday, June 23, 2025. The training was organized by the West Java Provincial Language Office (BBP Jabar) through its BIPA working group in collaboration with the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC). Participants included university lecturers, school teachers, and language educators who are currently involved in BIPA programs or plan to teach BIPA in the near future.
In his opening remarks, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, highlighted the strong potential for BIPA development in Cirebon. “Cirebon holds a wealth of cultural richness. This is a powerful magnet for foreign learners interested in studying Bahasa Indonesia through the lens of local traditions,” he stated. He emphasized that educational institutions must play an active role in equipping BIPA teachers with up-to-date and relevant pedagogical skills. UIN SSC’s collaboration in this initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the global impact of Bahasa Indonesia.
The training was officially opened by the Head of the West Java Language Office, Dr. Herawati, M.A., who encouraged participants to engage wholeheartedly in the program. She underscored that enhancing teacher competency would have a direct impact on the advancement of BIPA, especially in the Cirebon region. “Well-prepared instructors are key to making BIPA a strong tool of cultural and linguistic diplomacy,” said Dr. Herawati. The opening session set an enthusiastic tone among attendees from the outset.
Over the course of a full day, participants received intensive instruction from two expert speakers. Roslina Sawitri, M.Pd., from the Language Services Unit at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), presented methods for teaching BIPA and utilizing digital media in language learning. Dr. M. Irfan Hidayatullah, M.Hum., Coordinator of BIPA at the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Padjadjaran, delivered a session on designing culturally grounded lesson plans and effective assessment techniques. The sessions were highly interactive and provided practical strategies participants could immediately apply.
The International Office of UINSSC views its role in this initiative not merely as a collaborator, but as a key strategic actor in advancing the university’s internationalization goals. With growing interest among foreign students in learning Bahasa Indonesia, the need for skilled BIPA educators is becoming increasingly vital. “We hope this kind of training can expand to other regions, so more educators are empowered to lead high-quality BIPA instruction,” added Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D.
Cirebon’s vibrant cultural landscape is considered a major asset in developing engaging and authentic BIPA teaching materials. Local traditions, arts, culinary heritage, and community values can serve as meaningful content for foreign learners, enriching both language acquisition and intercultural understanding. Participants were enthusiastic about incorporating these elements into their lessons and welcomed efforts to build a stronger network of BIPA educators in the region.
Through this collaborative effort between BBP Jabar and UINSSC’s International Office, the training has laid a strategic foundation for long-term capacity building in BIPA instruction. UIN SSC reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Indonesia’s linguistic diplomacy by nurturing competent and culturally sensitive BIPA educators. With a collaborative and community-based approach, Cirebon is poised to become a growing hub for Indonesian language and cultural learning on the international stage.
Author: Bustanul Arifin