JAKARTA, March 24, 2025 - The Uji Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia (UKBI), an Indonesian language proficiency test, is gaining traction as a critical measure of language skills across various educational levels, as highlighted by officials from the Badan Pengembangan dan Pembinaan Bahasa (Badan Bahasa). Hafidz Muksin, the head of Badan Bahasa, emphasized its importance during the recent UKBI test event for journalists, stating that its increasing adoption signifies a growing commitment to preserving the Indonesian language.
According to Muksin, over 1 million individuals, including students, employees, and media professionals, have participated in the UKBI since its inception. This statistic underscores the tool's widespread acceptance and relevance in today’s educational landscape. In particular, 60 universities across Indonesia have incorporated the UKBI certificate as a graduation requirement, reinforcing its significance in academic progression.
Speaking at the event on March 24, held in Jakarta, Muksin noted, “This test is conducted to maintain the sovereignty of the Indonesian language in the educational environment.” With this initiative, Badan Bahasa aims to enhance not only academic standards but also the overall fluency in Indonesian across diverse demographics.
The structure of the UKBI is comprehensive, consisting of five distinct sections: listening, responding to rules, reading, writing, and speaking. These components provide a holistic assessment of language ability. Additionally, the test has adapted to modern needs by transitioning to an online format, which has simplified accessibility for many. Muksin remarked, “The implementation of UKBI is very practical because it is based online. Test results can be received within 14 days after the examination.”
UKBI testing is not limited to university students; the tool has extended its reach to secondary education as well. Muksin revealed that 30 journalists from the Forum Wartawan Pendidikan (Fortadik) participated in this latest UKBI test, showcasing the importance of language proficiency among media professionals. One participant even scored over 600, earning high praise from Muksin, who stated, “I appreciate the journalists; they achieved an excellent rating after just one attempt at the UKBI.”
As interest in the UKBI grows, so too does its impact on national revenue. The test has generated approximately Rp16.6 billion in non-tax state revenue (PNBP), further emphasizing its economic significance. East Java has notably been identified as the region with the highest number of UKBI participants, while Sidoarjo and South Jakarta lead at the city and regency levels, respectively.
The participation rates and the financial benefits underline the increasing enthusiasm for language proficiency, particularly amongst students and educators. Badan Bahasa continues to support language development initiatives in schools, with 25 institutions, including leading vocational schools (SMK Unggulan), receiving funding assistance to enhance their language curriculum.
Furthermore, Muksin highlighted that the UKBI certificate is now essential in certain scholarship programs, including the Beasiswa Unggulan for students demonstrating proficiency in Indonesian. The evolving demand for the UKBI reflects a larger trend toward fostering multilingual capabilities in a globalized world.
Exam fees for the UKBI vary: it is free for students, Rp100,000 for college students, Rp300,000 for the general public, and for foreign nationals, it can reach up to Rp1 million, depending on the applicant's status. This pricing structure aims to promote inclusivity while still generating necessary revenue for the program’s continuation.
As the UKBI continues to grow, experts like Muksin stress the importance of widespread language skills. “The development of Indonesian language skills is crucial not only for journalists but is hoped to be mastered by many people,” he asserted, reinforcing the test’s role in broadening the accessibility of language education across the nation.
In conclusion, the UKBI represents a significant step forward in promoting Indonesian language proficiency across various sectors, proving essential for both educational advancement and cultural preservation as Indonesia strides confidently into a future where language competency remains paramount.
