In late October 2023, the University of Mataram (UNRAM) conducted a significant visit to three universities in Australia: the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, and Murdoch University. This visit was led by the Rector of UNRAM, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., accompanied by several delegates from UNRAM. Among them was Dr. Boniesta Zulandha Melani, M.A., Ph.D., Head of UPA Bahasa UNRAM, who was tasked with promoting the Bahasa Indonesia for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program. This initiative is part of UNRAM’s strategy to expand its academic network and promote the Indonesian language and culture at an international level.
Visits to Universities in Australia
The agenda of the UNRAM delegation included visits to three universities in Perth. On October 28, the delegation began their series of visits with a meeting at the University of Western Australia (UWA). During the visit, Dr. Boniesta had the opportunity to discuss potential collaboration with the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), focusing on teaching the Indonesian language and exploring the possibility of UWA students participating in a language program in Lombok.
On October 29, the delegation met with representatives from Curtin University. On this occasion, Dr. Boniesta continued to advocate for opportunities for Curtin students to learn the Indonesian language and gain deeper insights into Indonesian culture. The visit concluded at Murdoch University on October 30. Reflecting on the visits to these three universities, Dr. Boniesta emphasized that the BIPA program could significantly contribute to UNRAM’s efforts, given the importance of cultural and academic exchanges. The program has the potential to attract international students to learn the Indonesian language and culture.
Promoting Indonesian Language and Culture
Dr. Boniesta highlighted that the BIPA program at UNRAM not only teaches language skills but also provides insights into Indonesian culture through various activities, such as language classes, cultural programs, and opportunities to interact with the local community. She expressed hope that partnerships with Australian universities would create more opportunities for international students to immerse themselves in the Indonesian language and culture at UNRAM.
UNRAM’s visit to Australia represents a strategic move to strengthen its global academic network. Collaborations with UWA, Curtin University, and Murdoch University are expected to open new avenues for the development of Indonesian language and cultural education while introducing UNRAM as a prominent higher education institution on the international stage. These collaborations are anticipated to grow, benefiting the academic communities of UNRAM and the three universities while fostering a deeper understanding of cross-cultural exchanges.