The confluence of educational advancements and cultural identity has placed Bahasa Indonesia at the forefront of discussions concerning language development and its role on the global stage. Recent academic promotions at Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) have spotlighted the significant contributions of Indonesian scholars who are shaping the future of education and international outreach.
On February 27, 2025, UM hosted a ceremony to formally confer the title of professor to several faculty members, including Professor Aripriharta and Professor Karyadi. Their orations encompassed topics deeply linked to Indonesia's path forward, including the significance of green technologies and sustainable building materials, showcasing how these themes integrate with educational discourses.
Professor Aripriharta's enlightening oration, titled “REVOLUSI ENERGI HIJAU BERBASIS KONVERTER CERDAS,” emphasized the necessity of adaptive energy solutions for modern society. He highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, as fundamental to Indonesia's development goals and global environmental responsibility.
While Aripriharta discussed energy, Professor Karyadi focused on sustainable architecture, promoting laminated bamboo as both attractive and resilient. His presentation, “BAMBU LAMINASI: MATERIAL BANGUNAN BERPENAMPILAN ESTETIS YANG KUAT DAN RINGAN SEHINGGA COCOK UNTUK HUNIAN DI DAERAH RAWAN GEMPA,” outlined the advantages of bamboo, which not only provides aesthetic beauty but also resilience—qualities much needed, especially for structures located within earthquake-prone regions.
Joining them was Professor Sucipto, who delivered insights on the societal empowerment through education, usinghis talk, “META ANALISIS KUALITATIF PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DESA,” to stress the importance of developing programs within communities. This focus on education brings to light the need for languages—especially Bahasa Indonesia—to be recognized and taught globally.
During the conferral, Sucipto advocated for Bahasa Indonesia as deserving international status. His arguments are compelling: not only does it meet several criteria established for global languages, but it also carries immense cultural weight and is pivotal for disseminative purposes—be it science, diplomacy, or cultural heritage. He stated, “Bahasa Indonesia wajib menjadi bahasa internasional. Karena bahasa internasional wajib memenuhi enam syarat sebuah bahasa hingga bisa menjadi bahasa internasional,” solidifying the necessity for recognition.
Remarkably, Bahasa Indonesia is taught across 54 countries, with students learning it from as far back as 1948. Its entry as one of the UNESCO official languages as of 2023 marks its importance on the world stage. Such development has established its role as the language of diplomacy and knowledge dissemination.
The potential of getting students interested and engaged with Bahasa Indonesia cannot be overstated. By establishing classes and programs at universities around the world, such as those in the United States and Australia, educators reinforce its status as not just the language of Indonesia but one with far-reaching influence.
By connecting academics otherwise distant, the professors of UM present compelling cases for the study of Indonesian as both practical and culturally enriching. Professor Aripriharta's use of energy for progress, combined with Karyadi's sustainable alternatives, and Sucipto’s advocacy yield potent narratives about the interconnection of language and culture within education.
During the ceremony, audience members witnessed the embodiment of progress—transmitting knowledge and cultural pride through the very act of professorship. This serves as both aspiration and inspiration for future generations seeking to make their mark through the bilingual or multilingual embrace of education.
Conclusively, the discussions and presentations during the conferral not only reflect the developments within UM but also reaffirm the growing global stature of Bahasa Indonesia. The language is on the path to fulfilling its potential, securing its place as not just a colonial remnant but a vessel for national identity and international communication.