Participants of the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) Program at ITS pose for a group photo with the team from the ITS Global Language Center (UPBG) and the LPBA-BIPA team of Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) after participating in the Language and Culture Workshop at UNISMA on Monday (15/6). (Source: ITS Global Language Center Documentation)

ITS Campus, GLC News — International students enrolled in the 2025/2026 Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) Program at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) participated in a BIPA Cultural Program through an educational cultural visit to the Institute for Foreign Language Development–Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (LPBA-BIPA) at Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) and the Ngawonggo Cultural Tourism Village in Malang on 15 June. Organized by the ITS Global Language Center (UPBG), the program aimed to enrich students’ Indonesian language learning experience through direct exposure to local culture and traditions.

A total of 19 international students from the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB), The Indonesian AID Scholarship (TIAS), and the Global Excellence Scholarship (GES) participated in the program. Through an experiential learning approach, participants engaged directly with Indonesian culture while practicing their Indonesian language skills in authentic, real-world contexts.

The LPBA-BIPA UNISMA team demonstrates the traditional game Cublak-Cublak Suweng to ITS BIPA participants (left), while ITS BIPA participants pose for a group photo holding Jaranan performance props after the cultural introduction session (right) on Monday (15/6). (Source: ITS Global Language Center Documentation)

The program began with a Language and Culture Workshop at LPBA-BIPA UNISMA. During the session, participants were introduced to the traditional performing art of Jaranan, also known as Kuda Lumping, including its history, philosophy, and cultural significance. They also had the opportunity to experience the performance firsthand by trying its traditional props as part of an interactive cultural learning activity.

In addition, participants took part in an introduction to and practice of the traditional game Cublak-Cublak Suweng, attended cultural presentations delivered by ITS BIPA students, and engaged in discussion and interaction sessions with fellow participants. These activities provided international students with opportunities to enhance their Indonesian language communication skills while broadening their understanding of Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity.

Following the program at UNISMA, the participants continued their cultural visit to the Ngawonggo Cultural Tourism Village. There, they joined workshops on local Malang traditions, including the preparation of traditional wedang (herbal beverages), the making of apem using jackfruit leaves, and a visit to a historic royal bathing site to learn about the area’s history and the local community’s cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom.

ITS BIPA participants take part in a range of cultural activities at the Ngawonggo Cultural Tourism Village, including workshops on preparing traditional wedang and apem made with jackfruit leaves, a visit to a historic royal bathing site, discussions on the culture and traditions of the Malang community, and a communal meal featuring local specialties on Monday (15/6). (Source: ITS Global Language Center Documentation)

One of the KNB scholarship recipients, Brandon Obace Twomo, shared that the program gave him a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture. According to him, “Overall, the BIPA Outing Class was an invaluable learning experience because it not only improved my Indonesian language skills but also deepened my understanding of Indonesian culture. As a KNB scholarship recipient preparing to pursue my studies in Indonesia, this program has strengthened my confidence in communicating, interacting with local communities, and appreciating Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity.”

Similarly, TIAS scholarship recipient Valentine Kachundu described the BIPA Cultural Program as a valuable learning experience. “Through this program, I had the opportunity to learn more about the Indonesian language and culture beyond the classroom. I was also impressed by the hospitality of the organizers and fellow participants, which created a welcoming and supportive learning environment. This experience has enhanced my intercultural understanding and improved my ability to use Indonesian in everyday life,” she said.

Meanwhile, GES scholarship recipient Muhammad Shehu Nuruddeen remarked, “Through this program, I learned not only the Indonesian language but also the country’s culture, traditions, and values. It has broadened my global perspective and enabled me to build friendships with people from diverse backgrounds.”

Through this BIPA Cultural Program, the ITS Global Language Center (UPBG) reaffirmed its commitment to delivering language education that is integrated with meaningful cultural experiences. The program supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by providing inclusive learning opportunities, strengthening global citizenship awareness, and fostering international students’ appreciation of cultural diversity. It also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the collaboration between the ITS Global Language Center and Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA), which aims to expand international partnerships and enhance the quality of Indonesian language education for international learners.

The wide range of activities undertaken during the cultural visits to UNISMA and the Ngawonggo Cultural Tourism Village provided participants with meaningful opportunities to explore Indonesia’s language, culture, and local wisdom firsthand. These experiences enriched their Indonesian language learning journey while supporting their academic and cultural adaptation during their studies at ITS. (*)

Edited by: Alzena Mayla Shabrina
Editor: ITS Global Language Center (UPBG)