UINSSC Leads Strategic Meeting with Indonesian Partner Universities to Prepare International Research Collaboration with the University of the West of England, Bristol on Transforming English Language Education
Cirebon, August 20, 2025 — A strategic virtual meeting was convened on August 20, 2024, by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSCC), to initiate preparations for a proposed international research collaboration focused on enhancing English language education in Indonesia. The session brought together key academic collaborators from various institutions to align on research objectives, methodological approaches, and administrative requirements for a grant submission to the British Council. Participants included Luqman Baehaqi, Ph.D. from UIN Palangkaraya, Sirniawati, M.A. from Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, and Wulan Rahmatunisa, M.Pd. from Universitas Kuningan. The project is being developed in partnership with Dr. Tarik Umar from the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, who has successfully led multiple international research grants and has shown strong commitment despite being on leave.
The proposed research aims to address two core challenges in English language education: the limited proficiency of pre-service English teachers and the persistence of outdated pedagogical practices in higher education. The team plans to utilize the British Council’s EnglishScore platform to assess students’ language skills across participating universities, with the goal of establishing a foundational dataset on English proficiency levels among future educators. Over a 12-month period, the project will explore innovative teaching methods such as rhythm-based learning and multisensory coding to foster deeper language acquisition. These strategies are intended to move beyond rote memorization and multiple-choice assessments, promoting instead immersive, cognitively engaging learning experiences that cultivate genuine curiosity and linguistic agency.
During the meeting, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. emphasized the importance of moving beyond superficial adoption of educational concepts such as Kurikulum Merdeka and “deep learning,” which are often implemented without substantive change in classroom practice. He highlighted the absence of true deep reading, deep writing, and deep work in many English classrooms, calling into question the authenticity of so-called transformative pedagogy. The team agreed that the research must not only generate academic knowledge but also offer practical clarity and policy recommendations that can bridge the gap between curriculum design and real-world implementation. A key goal is to develop a sustainable ecosystem where English educators are not merely compliant with existing systems but possess the agency to innovate and resist complacency.
An innovative aspect of the proposal is the planned involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as independent evaluators. Rather than being involved in day-to-day implementation, these NGOs would serve as external assessors during key phases, particularly in reviewing and validating policy recommendations before dissemination. The team discussed potential partners such as Teach First Indonesia or local literacy advocates, emphasizing the need for registered, education-focused organizations with credibility and community reach. This approach aims to strengthen the research’s societal impact and ensure accountability beyond academic circles. The inclusion of such stakeholders reflects a mature understanding of how research can serve as a bridge between academia, civil society, and public policy.
Administratively, the team discussed the advantages of international funding, which allows for greater flexibility compared to domestic grants. Unlike proposals funded by the Indonesian government, which require approvals from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the State Secretariat, and other bureaucratic entities, this British Council-supported initiative only requires formal letters of support from university leaders such as rectors or LPPM directors. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. reported that he had already contacted the Director of Diktis at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, who expressed support and would facilitate the necessary endorsement. Each team member is responsible for submitting updated CVs, abstracts, and a minimum of 10–15 scholarly references from Q1 or Q2 journals to strengthen the proposal. With a submission deadline set for September 9, the team aims to finalize materials by September 5 to allow time for revisions and feedback from Dr. Tarik Umar.
The meeting concluded with a clear division of tasks and a shared commitment to collaborative work. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. will lead on conceptual framing, particularly around deep learning and pedagogical innovation, while Wulan Rahmatunisa will take the lead in identifying suitable NGOs for partnership. Sirniawati and Dr. Luqman will assist in gathering literature and refining the research design, while all members are expected to contribute references and review draft materials. They expressed optimism that the process itself has already strengthened academic networks and laid the foundation for future collaboration. This initiative represents a significant step forward in UINSCC’s growing role in shaping the future of English language education in Indonesia.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri