GEO USK Strengthens BIPA Teaching Excellence Through Instructor Competency Workshop
The Global Engagement Office (GEO) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) successfully held the BIPA (Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers) Instructor Competency Strengthening Workshop on 5 August 2026 at the Lab Terpadu of Universitas Syiah Kuala. The workshop reflects USK’s commitment to enhancing the quality of Indonesian language education for international learners by equipping BIPA instructors with updated pedagogical knowledge and innovative teaching practices.
The event was officially opened by Drs. Mukhlis, M.Hum., Coordinator of the USK BIPA Program. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the vital role of instructor competency in ensuring the success of BIPA as one of USK’s flagship internationalization programs. He emphasized that qualified instructors are key to providing meaningful learning experiences while introducing Indonesia’s language, culture, and values to students from around the world.
The workshop featured Muhammad Irsan, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Aceh Language Office (Balai Bahasa Provinsi Aceh), as the keynote speaker. Drawing on his expertise in Indonesian language education, he shared insights into effective BIPA teaching methodologies, competency development for instructors, and strategies for building sustainable, high-quality BIPA programs that respond to the diverse needs of international learners.
In his remarks, Muhammad Irsan expressed his appreciation for USK’s commitment to strengthening Indonesian language education. He also emphasized the importance of fostering stronger collaboration between Universitas Syiah Kuala and the Balai Bahasa to further develop the BIPA program. According to him, closer institutional cooperation will not only improve the quality of Indonesian language instruction but also strengthen the international promotion of the Indonesian language and culture.
The workshop brought together BIPA instructors, creating an interactive forum for professional development, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices in teaching Indonesian as a foreign language. Through collaborative discussions and practical insights, participants explored innovative approaches to creating engaging, learner-centered classrooms that address the evolving landscape of language education.
By organizing this workshop, GEO USK reaffirms its commitment to continuously improving the quality of BIPA instruction and expanding strategic partnerships with government institutions and language education stakeholders. These initiatives contribute to USK’s broader internationalization agenda while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and high-quality education, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened collaboration between higher education institutions and public organizations in advancing Indonesian language education and international academic cooperation.
As Universitas Syiah Kuala continues to welcome students from around the world, the university remains committed to developing globally competent educators and fostering meaningful international engagement through excellence in Indonesian language and cultural education.
