FHUM BINUS Prepares Experts in Bahasa with UKBI
Faculty of Humanities Binus University has successfully hosted a specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) program aimed at enhancing the Indonesian language proficiency of its faculty members. The event, titled Diseminasi Kepakaran Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia (UKBI), was held on September 20, 2024, at the International Relations Laboratory, Kijang Campus, BINUS University.
The training, which focused on preparing lecturers for the Ujian Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia (UKBI) – Indonesia’s official Indonesian Language Proficiency Test – was attended by 14 faculty members from various language departments within the Faculty of Humanities. Participants included lecturers from the Departments of Creative Digital English, Global Business Chinese, Japanese Popular Culture, as well as the Digital Language Learning Center (DLLC). This initiative strengthens BINUS University’s commitment to providing top-notch language education and developing skilled instructors capable of teaching Indonesian to non-native speakers through the BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing) program.
Experts Lead the Way
The training session was conducted by two distinguished experts from a Language Development Body at the Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia: Dr. Atikah S., M.Pd., as a Chairperson of the Forum Widyabasa Indonesia, and Elvi Suzanti, M.Pd., serving as a Coordinator of Expertise and Professional Services at UKBI. Their vast knowledge and experience in the field of language proficiency made them ideal facilitators for the program, providing faculty members with both theoretical and practical insights on the UKBI exam’s format, as well as strategies for achieving top scores.
Dr. Atikah S. shared valuable insights on the structure and expectations of the UKBI, emphasizing the importance of mastering Indonesian grammar, vocabulary, and listening comprehension. Elvi Suzanti focused on practical strategies and technical procedures while dealing with the test, providing participants with strong readiness and real-life scenarios to enhance their test-taking performance.
Enhancing Proficiency to Meet Global Standards
The main objective of this training program was to equip lecturers with the necessary skills to successfully take the UKBI and achieve excellent results. This certification is particularly important as it qualifies instructors to teach the BIPA program, which is rapidly gaining significance worldwide. As Indonesia’s role in Southeast Asia continues to grow, BIPA has become an essential language course for non-native speakers seeking to improve their proficiency in Indonesian. With UNESCO recognizing Bahasa Indonesia as an official language by November 20th 2023 in Paris, the need for proficient BIPA instructors is at an all-time high. The UKBI test ensures that these instructors meet rigorous standards and are prepared to deliver high-quality language instruction to global learners.
Support from the Dean
The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Elisa Carolina Marion, S.S., M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at BINUS University, who has been instrumental in enhancing the faculty’s reputation as a leading center for language education. According to Dr. Carolina, the training program is a vital step in elevating the teaching quality of Indonesian as a foreign language. “We aim to ensure that our lecturers not only possess excellent linguistic abilities but also the expertise required to teach Indonesian effectively to students from diverse cultural backgrounds. This training will ensure that our faculty members are well-prepared to take on the challenges of teaching BIPA and achieve the necessary certifications,” she said.
The ToT program also aligned with BINUS University’s broader mission to foster global collaboration and to promote Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through language education. With the ongoing global recognition of Indonesia’s language and culture, BINUS is committed to producing well-qualified language instructors who can teach Indonesian to international audiences.
The Value of UKBI Certification
Obtaining a UKBI certification offers significant benefits for both educators and students. For instructors, passing the UKBI with a strong score not only validates their proficiency in the Indonesian language but also qualifies them to teach BIPA courses, which are in increasing demand worldwide. This certification provides educators with a competitive edge in the global market for language instruction, particularly as Indonesian is becoming a more prominent language in Southeast Asia and beyond. For students, UKBI certification ensures they are learning from highly qualified, expert instructors who are well-equipped to guide them in mastering Indonesian. This certification boosts the credibility and reputation of the institution and enhances the learning experience, giving overseas students greater confidence in their language acquisition.
Key Takeaways and Expectations for the Future
The training offered significant benefits to the participating lecturers, helping them build confidence in their language skills and prepare for the UKBI test. The expectation is that the successful completion of the UKBI will not only boost the lecturers’ professional development but also enhance the overall quality of BINUS BIPA program, which will ultimately contribute to a broader global understanding of the Indonesian language and culture.
By equipping faculty members with the skill they need to succeed in the UKBI, BINUS University is reaffirming its commitment to educational excellence, positioning itself as a leader in the training of future Indonesian language instructors. With the continued success of this program, BINUS University aims to play a key role in the global dissemination of Indonesian language proficiency, supporting the growth of BIPA programs around the world.
