The Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) Institute at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) held a national seminar titled “Language and Cultural Diplomacy through BIPA” on Thursday (May 15) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3, Medan. The event served as a clear demonstration of UMSU’s commitment to strengthening the role of the Indonesian language as a tool of international diplomacy.
The seminar featured prominent speakers, including Professor Dr. Liliyana Mutia, M.Pd from Universitas Negeri Jakarta; Dr. Asrif, M.Hum, Head of the North Sumatra Language Center; and Dr. Cut Novita Srikandi, M.Hum, Head of UMSU’s BIPA Institute. The event was attended by over 200 participants both nationally and internationally, including representatives from Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Attendees included teachers, lecturers, BIPA educators, language practitioners, and students.
In his opening remarks, UMSU Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, expressed pride in hosting the seminar. He noted that since the establishment of UMSU’s BIPA Institute in 2022, it has shown remarkable progress.
“Our challenge is not only to teach the language, but also to introduce Indonesian culture. We hope this seminar resonates not only nationally, but also internationally,” he stated.
Dr. Cut Novita Srikandi emphasized the importance of ongoing training, international collaboration, and the use of technology to meet the challenges of teaching BIPA in a globalized world.
“Language is a bridge of civilization. Through BIPA, we open a window to the world. Currently, UMSU hosts 65 international students from four countries who are studying here,” she said.
She also added that this achievement is the result of a shared commitment to making UMSU a globally recognized university. She believes this seminar marks a turning point for continuous innovation in the development and teaching of BIPA, especially in North Sumatra.
Dra. Hj. Syamsuyurnita, M.Pd, Dean of UMSU’s Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), added that the event was highly beneficial for Indonesian Language Education students, particularly those taking the BIPA course. She encouraged students to use the seminar as preparation for teaching BIPA, both domestically and abroad.
Earlier, the seminar chair and head of UMSU’s Indonesian Language Study Program, Mutia Febriyana, S.Pd., M.Pd., explained that the event was a collaboration between the BIPA Institute and the study program to exchange ideas and experiences in language, particularly in the digital era.
During the presentation sessions, the first speaker, Prof. Dr. Liliyana Mutia, emphasized that BIPA plays a strategic role as a means of cultural diplomacy.
“BIPA is not only about teaching language; it also involves introducing national values and identity to the world through innovative curricula and cross-sector collaboration,” she explained.
Dr. Asrif, Head of the North Sumatra Language Center, highlighted Indonesia’s unique position as a country united by a single national language from Sabang to Merauke. “The Indonesian language is a powerful force of national identity,” he stressed.
The seminar also featured a poetry reading by a student from Thailand and a monologue performance titled Balada Sumarah. Several distinguished guests were in attendance, including Vice Rector III Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si; FKIP Dean Dra. Hj. Syamsuyurnita, M.Pd; Vice Dean I Dr. Hj. Dewi Kesuma, S.S., M.Hum; Vice Dean III Dr. Mandra Saragih, M.Hum; as well as Hidayat Widiyanto, M.Pd, Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Language Center; Rudi Fahrizal, ST, M.Eng, Secretary of the North Sumatra Education Office; Dr. Drs. M. Ismael P. Sinaga, M.Si, Head of the North Sumatra Manpower Office; and Tajuddin Idris, ST, M.Si, Head of the North Sumatra Education Quality Assurance Agency (BPMP).
This seminar not only reinforced BIPA’s role as a tool for cultural diplomacy but also demonstrated Indonesia’s readiness to compete and take an active role on the global stage through its language and educational initiatives.
