Signing of the Work Plan Between the UPT Language Center of UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan and the North Sumatra Language Center at Le Polonia Hotel, Medan

Medan, October 24, 2024 – The State Islamic University (UIN) Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan, through its Language Technical Implementation Unit (UPT Bahasa), officially signed a partnership agreement with the North Sumatra Language Center to support its campus internationalization strategy through the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program. The signing ceremony took place at Le Polonia Hotel in Medan, attended by representatives from both institutions. UPT Bahasa was represented by Dr. Eka Sustri Harida, M.Pd (Head of UPT Bahasa), Afrina Refdianti, MA (TOAFL Coordinator), Liah Rosdiani Nasution, MA (TOEFL Coordinator), Ade Yanti, M.Pd (English Lecturer), and Anna Maria, S.Pd.I (Arabic Lecturer). Representing the North Sumatra Language Center was Mr. Hidayat Widianto, M.Pd, the Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Language Center.

The partnership agreement was formally signed by Dr. Eka Sustri Harida, M.Pd, Head of UPT Bahasa, and Mr. Hidayat Widianto, M.Pd, Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Language Center, marking the start of a collaborative effort to enhance the BIPA program.

The BIPA program serves as a strategic initiative to attract international students. Through BIPA, UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan aims to facilitate students interested in learning the Indonesian language and exploring the local culture of North Sumatra. This program is expected not only to develop the language proficiency of international students but also to deepen their understanding of Indonesia’s cultural and social context.

Dr. Eka Sustri Harida highlighted that BIPA represents a significant strategy for drawing international interest to the campus. “The BIPA program is designed not only for language learning but also as a gateway to introducing local culture to international students, allowing them to build a stronger connection with Indonesia and UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan,” she stated.

The BIPA program will include intensive Indonesian language classes, covering speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, all tailored to participants’ language levels. Cultural activities, including visits to cultural sites in North Sumatra, art workshops, and community interactions, will further enhance cultural understanding.

This partnership with the North Sumatra Language Center is anticipated to bolster UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan’s appeal to international students and solidify the university’s reputation as a premier destination for Indonesian language and cultural studies.

Liah Rosdiani Nasution, 2024