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This partnership was initiated by the Head of ITB’s Language Services Unit, Dr. Lusia Marliana Nurani, Ph.D., and Prof. Drg. Diah Ayu Maharani, Ph.D., the Education and Cultural Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC. Both share a common vision in supporting the Indonesian government’s mission to internationalize the Indonesian language, especially following its designation as one of UNESCO’s official languages on November 20, 2023, in Paris, France.

“The Indonesian language is not just a means of communication, it is also a crucial part of national identity and diplomacy. As a leading higher education institution, ITB feels responsible to contribute to the global promotion of the Indonesian language,” said Dr. Lusia. She herself is a doctoral graduate of Arizona State University through a Fulbright scholarship, giving her a deep understanding of the high interest among Americans in learning Indonesian language and culture.

The BIPA program run by ITB at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC targets learners from diverse backgrounds, including high school students, university students, researchers, professional workers, and foreign language teachers. The classes are conducted online and are offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The instructor appointed for the program is Roslina Sawitri, M.Pd., a language instructor at ITB's Language Services Unit who is also a State Language Ambassador from Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

Roslina is no stranger to the world of BIPA teaching. Her international experience as a guest lecturer at prestigious universities such as Yale University and various Indonesian Embassies across the Americas and Europe makes her the ideal person to bring professionalism and creativity to teaching. Currently, Roslina also serves as the BIPA Teaching Coordinator for foreign students under the KNB and TIAS programs at ITB and oversees other BIPA initiatives in collaboration with ITB’s Directorate of Partnerships.

Historically, ITB’s Language Services Unit has consistently supported various BIPA teaching programs. ITB has welcomed international students through summer schools, International Virtual Courses (IVCs), AUN AISC, Darmasiswa, KNB and TIAS scholarships, student exchange programs, and general classes. This long-term commitment reflects how ITB views language as a vital bridge in international relations.

The culmination of this semester’s BIPA teaching program at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC, was marked by a showcase event, a celebration and demonstration of the Indonesian language proficiency of BIPA class participants after a semester of learning. This event took place online on May 21, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 AM GMT+7 (8:00–10:00 PM local time) and was attended by several notable guests.

This beginner-level class showcase was a meaningful occasion, featuring the Chargé d'Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC, Sade Bimantara, and a welcoming speech from ITB’s Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Irwan Meilano. Their presence demonstrated full support for BIPA teaching and its strategic role in strengthening cultural ties between Indonesia and the United States.

Interestingly, one of the event hosts was Sarah Butz, a high school teacher from Pennsylvania, USA, who was a participant in the beginner class. Under Roslina’s guidance, Sarah confidently hosted the event in an interactive and enthusiastic style. Her performance reflected not only her linguistic achievement but also the spirit of cultural exchange that is the essence of this BIPA program.

The event was lively, featuring various performances such as poetry readings, cooking demonstrations, and testimonials from participants who shared how meaningful the experience of learning Indonesian had been for them. The showcase served not only as a marker of academic success but also as a platform to appreciate the hard work of both students and teachers.

ITB extends its appreciation to the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC for the cooperation that has been ongoing for nearly two years. The BIPA program in Washington, DC, is a tangible form of ITB’s commitment to strengthening international relations through education and culture. ITB is determined to continue expanding the reach of the BIPA program and forging partnerships with more international institutions. With its experience, network, and resources, ITB is ready to be at the forefront of Indonesian linguistic and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

Translator: Nadya Fini Nabila (Management, 2023)