Mataram, University of Mataram – The Language Center Unit of the University of Mataram (Pubah Unram) held a three-day Focused Group Discussion (FGD) from December 1-3, 2023, at the Jayakarta Hotel, Senggigi. The FGD carried the theme “Language Services and Development of Language Teaching Materials at the Language Center Unit of the University of Mataram in Preparing the Global Generation.”
The Head of the Language Center Unit, Boniesta Zulandha Melani, M.A., Ph.D., in her opening remarks, stated that the aim of this FGD was to provide a platform for sharing ideas about the future needs related to language services required by the language center. “This is crucial for us to discuss in preparing the global generation,” she said.
“I certainly hope that the invited guests, representing various elements of society, can provide strategic contributions to enhancing language services,” Boniesta added.
She also mentioned that in the future, her unit plans to introduce new foreign languages besides English, such as Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese. Additionally, the Language Center Unit will continue to develop the Summer Course program, particularly for the teaching of the Indonesian language.
“During this event, we have also prepared and discussed with several institutions to establish collaborations. This morning, we have representatives from institutions that have partnered with the Language Center and some that have not yet collaborated. We hope that through collaborations or the signing of MoUs or MoAs, as well as IAs, we can foster partnerships like those established with other institutions in previous years,” concluded Boniesta.
Also present at the event, the Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., delivered remarks and officially opened the FGD. He emphasized the importance of learning foreign languages.
“By mastering foreign languages, we can understand knowledge that is spread everywhere, in journals and books written in foreign languages. How can we possibly ask questions, communicate, and build partnerships with the outside world without knowing or communicating in their language? This is what we need to be aware of. We must truly learn their languages, as it is a crucial part of our knowledge development,” said Prof. Bambang.
The Professor from the Faculty of Agriculture at Unram expressed that all elements of society must work together to promote foreign language learning for the community. He also added that the development of foreign language teaching materials should be based on the 4Cs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Creative Thinking, and Collaboration.
“We must strive to make the Language Center a driving force in partnership with its collaborators, building and working together to enhance the nation’s intelligence, particularly in mastering foreign languages,” concluded the Rector of Unram.
The FGD was attended by various educational partners, including the Rector of Muhammadiyah University of Mataram, the Rector of Bumigora University Mataram, the Vice-Rector I of Nahdatul Ulama University NTB, the Director of the Mataram Polytechnic of Health, the Institute of Hindu Studies Gde Pudja Mataram, the Leader of Pesantren Alam Sayang Ibu, the Chairperson of the Mataram School of Tourism, the Principals of SMAN 1 Mataram, SMAN 1 Gerung, SMAN 1 Praya, the Head of the Language Unit of the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, the Head of the NTB Provincial Education Office, and resource persons (the Head of the Laboratory of the Islamic State University of Mataram).
