Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar and Balai Bahasa Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan have recently held a significant meeting aimed at enhancing collaboration and outlining a strategic work plan for 2025. This important gathering took place in the Senate Room of Iqra Tower, on March 20, 2025, under the facilitation of the Language Development Institute, Cooperation, and International Affairs (LPBKUI) of Unismuh. Chaired by Maharida, M.Pd., the meeting sought to strengthen the existing cooperation between these institutions.
Toha Machsum, the Head of Balai Bahasa Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan, emphasized the need for reinforced collaborative efforts. “This cooperation between Balai Bahasa and Unismuh has been ongoing for quite some time; however, there is a necessity to strengthen its implementation through signing a more structured work plan document,” he stated. Toha pointed out that Balai Bahasa has several priority programs designed to synergize with Unismuh’s offerings, focusing particularly on the internationalization of Bahasa Indonesia through development of teaching materials and enhancement of the competence of Indonesian language teachers for foreign speakers (BIPA).
“We have conducted awareness programs, published dictionaries, and engaged in language development activities together. What we need now is formal documentation to complete this partnership,” added Toha. He also stressed the importance of revitalizing local languages, which involves the participation of various societal elements, including higher education institutions. “The revitalization program engages students as mentors to assist teachers in developing local language learning methodologies,” he elaborated.
Prof. Andi Sukri Syamsuri, the Acting Rector of Unismuh Makassar, expressed gratitude for the already established collaboration and reaffirmed Unismuh’s commitment to fully support the initiatives of Balai Bahasa. “We have a long history in developing the education of the Indonesian language. The Indonesian Language Department at Unismuh has been established since 1987 and currently holds excellent accreditation,” remarked Prof. Andis, a familiar name in the academic community.
Further emphasizing Unismuh’s strategic plans, he disclosed intentions to encourage young faculty members to pursue their doctoral studies abroad. “We are preparing intensive language training for young lecturers who are set to continue their doctoral education overseas as part of the university’s support for improving the quality of its teaching staff,” professor Andis elaborated.
During this meeting, Prof. Andis also presented two of his latest published works: “Pappaseng ri Elompugi (Pesan dalam Syair Bugis)” and “Pemertahanan Bahasa Indonesia.” The former book encapsulates a series of radio broadcasts delivering moral messages based on Bugis literature, while the latter aims to serve as a reference in literacy development and preservation of regional languages. “We hope that this book can contribute to literacy development and the preservation of regional languages,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with the agreement to expedite the signing of the work plan document and to implement collaborative programs, including training students in literacy programs, utilizing digital dictionaries, and conducting the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test (UKBI). “Unismuh is our strategic partner, and we hope that this cooperation will resonate widely within the community,” added Toha Machsum.
In a related initiative, Balai Bahasa Provinsi NTB welcomed representatives from the Sekretariat Daerah Kabupaten Lombok Utara (KLU) on March 18, 2025, to discuss strategic partnerships in language and literature. The delegation consisted of Lalu Gita Bayu, Head of the Protocol Section of KLU, and Ridwan, Head of the Subsection of KLU, who were received by Dwi Pratiwi, Head of Balai Bahasa Provinsi NTB and her cooperation team at the Anjani Room.
Lalu Gita Bayu shared that KLU is currently focusing on tourism development, aligning with the vision of the new regent. One of the first steps taken to create a tourist-friendly environment for foreign visitors includes changing the names of offices, signs, and directions in public areas to be more accessible. “We require assistance from Balai Bahasa Provinsi NTB to translate the names of government offices in North Lombok Regency, especially those in tourist areas,” he explained.
In response, Dwi Pratiwi welcomed the collaboration. She highlighted that the program aligns perfectly with Balai Bahasa’s mission to develop and nurture the use of language in NTB. “We are pleased to collaborate on this project and anticipate reaching a formal agreement that broadens our cooperation scope between Balai Bahasa NTB and the Government of North Lombok Regency,” Dwi Pratiwi stated.
The cooperation aims to strengthen literacy initiatives within the community, implement the Adaptive Indonesian Language Proficiency Test (UKBI) for government employees and students, and guide official documentation to comply with proper language standards. Additionally, this partnership supports the revitalization of regional languages to ensure they stay relevant and thrive amid modernization efforts.
As the popularity of North Lombok as a tourist destination continues to rise, the internationalization of Indonesian also stands as a key focus of this partnership, given the increasing number of foreign visitors. The KLU government and Balai Bahasa Provinsi NTB will follow up with the drafting of a memorandum of understanding to solidify these commitments. The goal is to enhance and preserve the integrity of the Indonesian language and regional dialects while exemplifying the local government's dedication to providing the best service.
