GEO USK Officially Concludes the BIPA Program for the 2025/2026 Academic Year
The Global Engagement Office (GEO) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) officially concluded the Indonesian Language Program for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) for the 2025/2026 Academic Year on 15 May 2026. The closing ceremony was held at the VIP Room of AAC Dayan Dawood and attended by university leaders, instructors, staff members, and BIPA participants.
The 2025/2026 BIPA cohort consisted of seven international students from various countries. Six of them were recipients of the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship (KNB): Mosa Ebrahemi and Mohammad Yousuf Safi from Afghanistan, Abotle Ralekwalo from Botswana, Richard Banda from Malawi, Suzan Joseph Misinzo from Tanzania, and Jayleen Rizwold Qoqonokana from the Solomon Islands. Meanwhile, Nurislam Tolkunbek Uulu from Kyrgyzstan participated in the BIPA Program at Universitas Syiah Kuala.
The event was attended by the BIPA Coordinator, Drs. Mukhlis, M.Hum.; the Head of GEO USK, Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, S.T., M.Sc.; former Head of the Office of International Affairs (OIA) USK, Dr. Muzailin Affan; BIPA instructors; and GEO staff members.
In his remarks, Prof. Syamsidik emphasized that learning Indonesian extends beyond language acquisition and serves as a platform for cultural exchange and the sharing of ideas.
“The essence of learning Indonesian is not merely about mastering the language, but also about understanding the culture and exchanging ideas. This process cannot happen instantly or in a one-way manner; it requires time and continuous interaction,” he stated.
He also encouraged participants to continue practicing their Indonesian language skills after completing the program.
“One message I would like to share is to keep practicing and actively engage with local Indonesian friends. Try to reduce interactions that are limited only to people from your own country, because direct communication experiences will accelerate both language learning and cultural understanding,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BIPA Coordinator, Drs. Mukhlis, M.Hum., expressed his appreciation to all participants for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the program. He hoped that the experiences gained during their studies at USK would become valuable assets for them to continue promoting the Indonesian language in their respective countries and to serve as ambassadors of Indonesian language and culture.
During the event, one of the participants, Suzan Joseph Misinzo from Tanzania, delivered a testimonial and expressed her gratitude to the instructors and GEO staff for their guidance and support throughout the program.
Suzan shared her experience of arriving in Aceh with little knowledge of Indonesian and facing difficulties in everyday communication.
“When I first arrived in Aceh, I did not know how to greet people in Indonesian language. I did not even know how to order a mixed mango and avocado juice. But now, I feel much more confident traveling on my own and communicating with local people, including those who do not speak English,” she said.
According to Suzan, participating in the BIPA Program not only improved her Indonesian language proficiency but also broadened her understanding of Indonesian culture. The cultural knowledge she gained throughout the program helped her adapt to a new environment and build confidence in interacting with local communities.
The BIPA Program is one of Universitas Syiah Kuala’s initiatives to support campus internationalization through the promotion of the Indonesian language and culture among international students. Through this program, participants gain not only language competence but also meaningful intercultural experiences that strengthen friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation among nations.
With the conclusion of the 2025/2026 BIPA Program, GEO USK hopes that all participants will continue practicing their Indonesian language skills and become cultural ambassadors who introduce Indonesia and Aceh to the international community.
