FIB Unhas — The Indonesian Literature Department, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Hasanuddin, held a curriculum development workshop for Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) as part of its efforts to strengthen internationalization programs. The event took place at the FIB Unhas Campus on July 14, 2025, and was officially opened by the Dean of FIB, Prof. Dr. Andi Muhammad Akhmar, S.S., M.Hum.
In his remarks, Prof. Akhmar expressed appreciation for the achievements and consistency of the Indonesian Literature Department, which he noted is one of the oldest and most solid units within the faculty.
“The Literature Department has a proud academic performance. Currently, there are six active professors, complemented by energetic and forward-thinking young lecturers. This shows that the future of Indonesian Literature is very promising,” said Prof. Akhmar.
He also noted that the Indonesian Literature study program recorded a high level of interest from prospective new students this year, with 125 out of 130 official registrants completing their re-registration.
Regarding the BIPA curriculum development, Prof. Akhmar emphasized the importance of presenting adaptive, engaging, and locally contextual learning approaches. He cited the BIPA teaching method at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), which uses the gamelan as a learning tool, as an illustration of lively and grounded learning.
“Foreign students need learning experiences that are enjoyable and applicable. If the methods are too theoretical and rigid, they can quickly evaluate or even leave the class,” he added.
He also proposed that BIPA learning materials developed at Unhas should include local content specific to South Sulawesi, from regional languages to its cultural richness, to introduce Indonesia more holistically.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Indonesian Literature Department, Prof. Dr. Munira Hasjim, S.S., M.Hum., revealed that this activity is part of preparations to welcome the arrival of foreign students from China who will participate in the BIPA program at FIB Unhas.
“A total of 13 students from Hefei University of Technology will begin the BIPA program at Unhas starting this August 12,” explained Prof. Munira.
For one semester, these students will take 24 credits (SKS), consisting of five Indonesian language skills courses, as well as additional courses in economics and business through collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Business Unhas.
Not only that, the faculty is also preparing to welcome 15 other students from China who will continue their S-1 (Bachelor’s) studies in Indonesian Language at Unhas, after completing a diploma program in their home country. The administrative process and curriculum adjustments are still awaiting further official information.
The workshop committee chair, Dr. Indar, S.S., M.Hum., stated that the main goal of the event is to produce teaching materials that can be directly applied in the BIPA learning process for one semester. “We want workshop participants not only to discuss but also to directly produce ready-to-use learning modules,” she said.
According to her, this training is the first step in building a sustainable BIPA system that is integrated with the academic quality development program of the Indonesian Literature Department.
