UIN Ar-Raniry and Language Agency Strengthen Literacy
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh has established a collaboration with the Language Development and Cultivation Agency of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) to strengthen the development of the Indonesian language in academic and community environments.
“This collaboration encompasses several strategic programmes, such as enhancing human resource competencies through seminars, workshops, and focused group discussions or Focus Group Discussions (FGD),” said Rector of UIN Ar-Raniry, Prof Mujiburrahman, in Banda Aceh on Tuesday.
He explained that the cooperation agreement also covers community service, implementation of the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test (UKBI), linguistic studies, the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) programme, translation services, and the cultivation of legal language.
“Strengthening linguistic aspects is an important part of campus development, particularly to support the internationalisation vision,” he said.
He mentioned that UIN Ar-Raniry is currently developing a language institute with support from international collaborations through Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities in the UAE, including improvements to laboratory facilities, curriculum, and lecturer capacities.
He added that the collaboration with the Language Agency opens up broader opportunities in literacy development, linguistic research, and strengthening the capacities of students and the Aceh community.
The International Services Centre of UIN Ar-Raniry is also actively developing the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) programme for foreign students in cooperation with the Aceh Language Centre.
“Through the Library Science Study Programme, we have also regularly sent students for internships at the Aceh Language Centre library in recent years,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Language Development and Cultivation Agency, Hafidz Muksin, emphasised the importance of strengthening literacy and the proper and correct use of Indonesian, especially in academic and public spaces.
“We hope this collaboration does not stop at signing, but truly impacts the improvement of literacy, language proficiency, and the utilisation of Indonesian in various sectors,” said Hafidz.
The Language Agency also encourages the involvement of lecturers and students in various linguistic programmes, including internships, community mentoring, and strengthening literacy culture.
They hope the collaboration can enhance the quality of Indonesian language use in academic, professional, and social contexts, while strengthening Aceh’s position in national language development.