From June 24 to 26, 2025, the Faculty of Humanities (FHUM) of BINUS University, through the Digital Language Learning Center (DLLC), proudly welcomed 12 students from Macquarie University, Australia, as part of an inbound student exchange program focused on learning Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing (BIPA) or Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers. This initiative is part of FHUM’s commitment to supporting the internationalization of education and introducing the richness of Indonesian language and culture to the global community. 

Learning Bahasa Indonesia through an Interactive Approach 

On the first two days, June 24 and 25, 2025, the BIPA learning activities took place at BINUS JWC Campus in Senayan. The Macquarie students participated in intensive classes designed to introduce the basics of Bahasa Indonesia in an engaging and interactive atmosphere. The classes were led by Hendra Bakti, S.Pd., M.Ed., Manager of DLLC and the lead BIPA instructor at BINUS University, and assisted by Vincentius Valiandy Jiuangga, S.Kom., MTCSOL, a lecturer from the Global Business Chinese (GBC) program, who supported the integration of cross-cultural learning. 

The lessons over the two days covered basic vocabulary, simple sentence structures, and everyday conversations in Bahasa Indonesia. In addition to focusing on linguistic aspects, the instructors also incorporated cultural elements in every session, such as introducing the use of language in social contexts, typical greetings, and common cultural expressions used in daily Indonesian life. 

The learning was far from conventional. Through communicative methods and intuitive approaches, students were encouraged to actively participate in various activities such as language games, role-playing dialogues, and interactive quizzes that motivated them to immediately practice Bahasa Indonesia in real-life scenarios. The classes took place in a warm, collaborative, and enthusiastic environment, making students feel comfortable and motivated to continue learning. 

Cultural Cooking Class: Experiencing Indonesia through Taste 

On the third day, Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Macquarie students moved to BINUS Kijang Campus in Kemanggisan – the central hub of the Faculty of Humanities – to take part in a culture-themed session titled Cultural Cooking Class. This event marked the highlight of the BIPA learning program, offering not only language practice but also a deeper cultural understanding through hands-on experience. 

In this class, students were introduced to the diverse spices and ingredients that form the backbone of Indonesian cuisine. They were also given an explanation of the philosophy behind traditional Indonesian dishes and the importance of balanced flavors in local culinary culture. 

The main dish taught was Nasi Tumpeng, an iconic Indonesian cone-shaped rice dish typically served at thanksgiving or celebratory events. Over approximately 180 minutes, the students worked in groups to cook and prepare a complete tumpeng dish, complete with side dishes such as tempe orek (sweet soy tempeh), bakwan jagung (corn fritters), shredded omelet, and traditional sambal terasi (chili paste with shrimp paste). 

Interestingly, after the cooking session, students were invited to learn more about the cultural philosophy embedded in the nasi tumpeng presentation. This explanation was delivered by Dr. Maria Tamarina Prawati, S.Pd., M.A.Ed., a lecturer from Creative Digital English (CDE), who described the symbolic meanings of the shape, color, and arrangement of the nasi tumpeng. The cone shape represents the vertical relationship between humans and God, as well as gratitude and the hope for blessings. The explanation was delivered narratively and contextually, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian cultural philosophy. 

The activity concluded with a tasting session, where students enthusiastically sampled their own cooking. They expressed amazement at the complexity of Indonesian flavors and appreciated the cooking session as a unique way to get to know Indonesian culture more intimately. 

Language Learning Integrated with Culture 

This program, organized by DLLC, reflects the core philosophy of BINUS BIPA: teaching Bahasa Indonesia not merely as a communication tool, but as an entry point to a more comprehensive understanding of Indonesian culture. The integration of language classes with real cultural experiences such as the cooking class is a hallmark of BINUS BIPA’s learning approach. 

With the spirit of Learning Language Through Culture, BINUS BIPA places cultural context at the heart of every learning activity. Students do not only learn the language’s structure, but also how it is used in social life, traditions, and the daily practices of Indonesian society. 

BIPA Programs at BINUS University 

DLLC BINUS University offers various BIPA programs tailored to meet the needs of international learners from different backgrounds and learning goals. Available programs include: 

  • BIPA 1, 2, and 3: Regular programs tailored to students’ language proficiency levels, from beginner to intermediate. 
  • BIPA for Conversation: Focused on improving speaking and everyday communication skills. 
  • BIPA for Specific Purposes: Customized programs for specific needs, such as Indonesian for academic, professional, or industry-specific purposes. 

All of these programs are developed using experiential learning, communicative methods, and cultural content integration, making the learning experience more vibrant, contextual, and meaningful. 

FHUM BINUS’s Commitment to Internationalization and Global Collaboration 

Through this activity, FHUM BINUS reaffirms its commitment to supporting campus internationalization and strengthening global collaboration networks. Student exchange programs such as this offer valuable opportunities for international students to experience academic and social life in Indonesia, while also becoming ambassadors who bring greater understanding of Indonesian culture to their global communities. 

The involvement of multiple units under FHUM—such as DLLC, GBC, and CDE—demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration in creating a holistic and inspiring learning experience for international students. 

Conclusion 

The BIPA learning and cultural class program with Macquarie University students was not just a language learning opportunity, but also a cultural encounter that enriched cross-country perspectives and understanding. Carrying the spirit of collaboration and educational innovation, BINUS BIPA and DLLC continue to be at the forefront of promoting the Indonesian language and culture on the global stage. 

For those interested in learning Bahasa Indonesia through an interactive, contextual, and culturally rich approach, BINUS BIPA is ready to be your best learning partner.