The Head of the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers Institute (BIPA) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Dr. Cut Novita Srikandi, S.S., M.Hum., has been appointed as a National Language Ambassador by the Language Development and Fostering Agency of the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. She has been assigned to teach Indonesian to citizens of the United States through the BIPA program, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C.
Prior to her appointment, she underwent a highly competitive selection process, successfully advancing from approximately 1,700 applicants representing various institutions across Indonesia. The selection stages included administrative screening, a written examination, interviews, microteaching sessions, psychological testing, and teaching practice. She then completed a four-day national training and orientation program in Jakarta (June 6–10, 2026) and was officially designated as an Overseas BIPA Instructor.
The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Prof. Dr. Agussani, expressed his appreciation for the appointment. He noted that this achievement reflects the growing global presence of UMSU lecturers, in line with the university’s vision of becoming a world-class institution by 2033. He added that the wider global recognition of the Indonesian language contributes to greater international appreciation of Indonesia and promotes Indonesian culture on the global stage.
The inaugural Indonesian language class was conducted online and officially opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States from Washington, D.C. The session was attended by dozens of American participants and learners who took part in the program with enthusiasm and dedication.
