Mataram, University of Mataram – (Sunday, July 4, 2024) In an effort to enhance service quality and build collaborations with other language support units (UPA/UPT), UPA Bahasa UNRAM participated in the National Workshop I of the Language Service Scientific Forum (FILBA) for 2024, held from August 1 to 3, 2024, at the Digital Library of Unimed and in Parapat. UPA Bahasa UNRAM was represented by Boniesta Zulandha Melani, S.Pd., M.A., Ph.D., as the Head of UPA Bahasa UNRAM, and Setyaning Pawestri, S.Pi., M.Si., as the Coordinator of Quality Assurance and Public Relations. FILBA serves as an umbrella organization for language institutions from universities across Indonesia.
The workshop was attended by 118 participants from language centers throughout Indonesia. Several prominent speakers, including Prof. Dr. Syawal Gultom (Chair of the Senate of Unimed), Retno Hendryanti, Ph.D. (Telkom University), Dr. Daniel Chan (National University of Singapore), Prof. Dr. Amrin Saragih, M.A., Ph.D. (Professor of English Language Education at Unimed), Lusia M. Nurani, Ph.D. (UPT PSDM ITB), and Dr. Kristin D. Stewart (Fulbright Specialist, USA), provided insights into the challenges and opportunities in operating and managing language centers professionally.
The workshop and training FILBA was officially opened by the Vice Rector IV of Medan University, Prof. Dr. Erond Litno Damanik, M.Si., who hoped the event would thoroughly explore language testing, language training, quality assurance, and FILBA accreditation. Dr. Isli Iriani Indiah Pane, M.Hum., Head of the UPT Language Center at Unimed, also expressed appreciation for the commitment and collaboration among language centers throughout Indonesia in facing global changes.
The national workshop organized by FILBA covered various linguistic aspects. Participants received training on language testing development, language training, quality assurance, and FILBA accreditation. The highlight of Day 1 was the material on language testing development, with FILBA designing a more localized English language test that incorporates elements of Indonesian culture. This project falls under the responsibility of the FILBA management for Western Indonesia. FILBA also announced various upcoming projects, including the development of training for members that will later be expanded by the Eastern Indonesia FILBA management.
Dr. Daniel Chan from the National University of Singapore exchanged information on the roles, functions, and management of language centers as implemented at the Centre for Language Studies at the National University of Singapore. Participants were given the opportunity to discuss strategies and tricks used by language centers to fulfill their functions in enhancing the language competencies of academic communities and providing services to the general public. Kristy Stewart, a Fulbright Specialist from the USA, shared her experiences mentoring students to win scholarships and write effective motivation letters. She provided samples of successful scholarship winner writings and materials related to English writing development. The workshop also encouraged participants to collaborate with other language centers through networking sessions and the establishment of partnerships among ILB. UPA Bahasa UNRAM signed five collaboration agreements with other UPA/UPT across Indonesia during this event.
In addition to attending the workshop and training sessions, participants were also invited to get closer to North Sumatra’s culture. The final day included an excursion to Lake Samosir, serving as a moment for participants to mingle and experience the culture of North Sumatra.
