JAKARTA – In a significant move to enhance foreign language literacy among students, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has expressed its appreciation for the implementation of the English language program "BERCERITA" in Belitung Regency. This initiative, launched on April 15, 2025, is designed to improve English language competence among students in the region and is a collaboration between the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in San Francisco and the Indonesian Diaspora Foundation San Francisco.
During his visit to Belitung Regency, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Atip Latipulhayat, emphasized that the program is part of a broader effort to realize Quality Education for All. "Kemendikdasmen appreciates and supports the implementation of BERCERITA in Belitung Regency as part of universal participation in achieving quality education for all. Essentially, enhancing foreign language competence opens opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and compete at the global level," he stated.
Atip highlighted the historical significance of national hero Agus Salim, who exemplified the use of foreign languages as a diplomatic tool for Indonesia. He encouraged students to draw inspiration from Salim's legacy as they learn foreign languages. "Agus Salim is a figure who can inspire students to learn foreign languages effectively and practice them well," Atip added.
The Deputy Minister further elaborated that the improvement of foreign language skills aligns with the Trigatra Bangun Bahasa initiative, which prioritizes the use of Indonesian, preservation of local languages, and mastery of foreign languages. This approach is consistent with the aspirations of the President of Indonesia to strengthen human resource development, particularly in education.
In his closing remarks, Atip expressed hope that students would take full advantage of this opportunity. "Congratulations on this program; I hope that in the future, more Indonesian students will be proficient in foreign languages as a foundation for achieving a bright future," he concluded.
As the host of the BERCERITA program, Belitung Regent Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the program's execution. He noted that the initiative has had a tangible positive impact on students and the community in Belitung Regency. "On behalf of myself and the Belitung Regency Government, I appreciate the launch of the BERCERITA program. The local government will continue to fully support this activity and hopes to reach a broader community in the coming year. Through this program, I hope the people of Belitung Regency can compete globally in various aspects, including education, employment, entrepreneurship, and more," Djoni stated.
Prasetyo Hadi, representing KJRI San Francisco, described BERCERITA as a socio-cultural mission aimed at collaborating with various elements to build superior human resources. He emphasized the importance of education in human resource development, stating, "We believe that education is a crucial sector in building human resources. Therefore, with the good foreign language experience from our mentors, we make this program an effort to help improve the English competence of Indonesian students significantly."
One of the program beneficiaries, Muyassar Fatih Romadhon, a fifth-grade student at SD Negeri 27 Membalong in Belitung Regency, shared his positive experience with BERCERITA. "I have been participating in this program for almost a year, learning online on Sundays. The mentors are great, and I hope this program can also benefit other students in the future," Fatih said.
BERCERITA is not just about learning English; it incorporates creative storytelling, discussions, and dialogues to actively engage students and enhance their language skills. This approach not only improves language proficiency but also cultivates confidence, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication abilities.
Atip Latipulhayat reiterated that enhancing foreign language competence, particularly in English, is vital for preparing Indonesia's youth for global challenges. He stated, "Improving foreign language competence opens up horizons for our children. This is an essential foundation for them to compete and contribute at the global level."
The program reflects a commitment to international collaboration for local education, aiming to make English language learning accessible and effective for students in Belitung Regency. As the initiative progresses, it is expected to empower students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Overall, the BERCERITA program represents a proactive step towards equipping Indonesian students with the language skills needed for future success. With continued support from local and international stakeholders, the initiative promises to foster a generation of learners ready to engage confidently on the global stage.
