Dr. Cut Novita Srikandi, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) Institute at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), was entrusted as the main speaker at the Basic BIPA Teaching Technical Training (Bimtek) for lecturers and BIPA practitioners, organized by the Language Center of Aceh Province. The event was held over two days, July 9–10, 2025, at the Lhokseumawe State Polytechnic campus in Aceh.
The event was officially opened by the Head of the Language Center of Aceh Province, Drs. Umar Solikhan, M.Hum., and was also attended by the Director of Lhokseumawe State Polytechnic, Ir. Rizal Syahyadi, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., IPM., ASEAN Eng., APEC Eng. Other speakers included Yusnimar M. Amin, S.Pd., M.TESOL. (Chairperson of APPBIPA Aceh) and Masitah Mahsa, S.Pd., M.Pd. (BIPA instructor).
UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, expressed his appreciation for the trust given to UMSU’s lecturer in this national forum. “We are very proud of the active participation of UMSU lecturers in this strategic event. UMSU’s experience in mentoring international students through BIPA has proven effective in helping foreign speakers learn the Indonesian language,” he said. According to him, the involvement of UMSU’s BIPA Head as the main speaker not only reflects academic excellence but also strengthens UMSU’s contribution to the development and internationalization of the Indonesian language.
During the training session, Dr. Cut Novita delivered intensive material over seven hours. She discussed teaching strategies, innovative approaches, and best practices in managing basic BIPA classes. She also emphasized the importance of communicative, culturally-based learning that is adaptive to the needs of foreign speakers. Additionally, she shared practical experiences in preparing teaching materials, building an interactive classroom environment, and fostering intercultural relations.
A total of 30 participants, consisting of lecturers and BIPA practitioners from various universities and institutions in Aceh, enthusiastically took part in the event. This training was a tangible manifestation of UMSU’s contribution to strengthening the BIPA teaching network at both regional and national levels, and to advancing the role of the Indonesian language on the global stage.
