Language Agency: Indonesian Language Learning Now in 61 Countries
The Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa) has stated that Indonesian language learning for foreign speakers (BIPA) is currently established in 61 countries. There are now more than 770 BIPA institutions, organised by Indonesian Embassies, universities, and various other organisations.
Speaking in Ungaran, Semarang Regency, on Wednesday, the Head of Badan Bahasa, Hafidz Muksin, stated that the agency is committed to facilitating the teaching of Indonesian to foreign speakers by providing BIPA instructors for both offline and online learning.
He shared this information during the 2026 International Conference of the Association of Indonesian Language and Literature Lecturers (Adobsi), themed “Transformation of Indonesian Language and Literature in Education and Technology: An Interdisciplinary Perspective,” held at the Central Java Language Office.
He noted that every year, Badan Bahasa sends BIPA instructors who have undergone rigorous selection in accordance with the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI). “This means that only the most carefully selected individuals will serve as BIMS instructors,” he said.
In addition to instructors, the agency is also preparing teaching modules that adapt to technological advancements, specifically through an online BIPA web platform. “We are continuously improving, updating, and completing these teaching modules to ensure high standards, quality, and variety,” he added.
According to Muksin, Badan Bahasa is collaborating with the Association of Indonesian Language Teachers and Activists for Foreign Speakers (APPBIPA) to enhance BIPA programmes, working alongside both Indonesian and foreign universities.
He highlighted that global interest in learning Indonesian is rising, evidenced by Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, which has opened a study programme for Indonesian language and literature. “In the first semester of 2025 alone, more than 300 students enrolled in the initial Indonesian language class. This demonstrates how Indonesian is increasingly becoming a global language,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Badan Bahasa and APPBIPA will continue to collaborate to expand the target countries for BIPA to further globalise the language. “Cumulatively, we hope to add at least three or four more participating countries this year. We are targeting new countries, supported by universities and international students studying in Indonesia,” he said.
Furthermore, Hafidz added that Indonesian is now an official language of UNESCO sessions and the 57th official language of Vatican News, a religious media outlet reaching Catholics worldwide. “This means the global community, which follows news and messages from the Pope, is becoming aware of the Indonesian language. This presents an opportunity that we must continue to strengthen in the future,” he concluded.