In a significant effort to enhance journalistic skills, the Balai Bahasa Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur (BBP NTT) is hosting a language competency training program for 50 journalists from May 7 to May 10, 2025, in Kupang, Indonesia. This initiative aims to improve the journalists' proficiency in the Indonesian language, which is crucial for their role in maintaining and managing the language effectively.
Ralph Hery Budhiono, the head of BBP NTT, emphasized the importance of this training during the opening ceremony on May 7. “Journalists play an important role in maintaining and managing the Indonesian language, so this training is an effort to support the continuous improvement of journalistic competencies,” he stated. The program, titled "Peningkatan Kemahiran Berbahasa: Penyegaran Kompetensi Berbahasa bagi Wartawan Media Massa," reflects a commitment to fostering better language skills among media professionals.
During the training, participants will engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their language skills. They will undergo initial and final tests to assess their progress and receive socialization on the Uji Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia (UKBI), a standard test for measuring Indonesian language proficiency. The curriculum also includes lessons on technical elements of language, journalistic text editing, and the integration of artificial intelligence in writing.
Ralph Budhiono hopes that this training will not only provide valuable information and insights to the journalists but also create a collaborative space for sharing knowledge between participants and senior journalists serving as resource persons. “This training is also a space for sharing knowledge between the journalist participants and the resource persons,” he remarked, highlighting the dual benefit of learning and networking.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the need for journalists to adapt and enhance their skills becomes increasingly critical. The incorporation of AI in journalism is particularly noteworthy, as it represents a shift towards more innovative practices in writing and reporting. By equipping journalists with these new skills, BBP NTT aims to ensure that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern journalism.
In addition to the training program, the SBS Audio Program Bahasa Indonesia has also been released on May 7, 2025. This audio program, lasting 46 minutes and 14 seconds, serves as another resource for Indonesian speakers and those interested in the language. Such initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to promote language proficiency and cultural understanding within Indonesia.
As the training progresses through the week, participants are expected to gain not only technical skills but also a deeper appreciation for the Indonesian language and its nuances. This initiative by BBP NTT underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced world of journalism.
With the support of BBP NTT, journalists are encouraged to push beyond their current capabilities and strive for excellence in their reporting. The training serves as a reminder that language is not just a tool for communication but also a vital component of cultural identity and integrity in journalism.
As the media continues to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and discourse, the importance of skilled journalists cannot be overstated. Programs like these are essential in ensuring that the next generation of journalists is well-equipped to handle the complexities of their profession.
