Improving language proficiency is becoming increasingly important among schools in Indonesia, as demonstrated by the proactive initiatives of various institutions to engage students and teachers alike.
On February 11, 2025, students from SD Lenterahati, accompanied by two teachers, made a visit to Balai Bahasa NTB located in Lombok Barat. This event, attended by 29 students, was centered around socializing participants about the Uji Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia (UKBI), a mandatory examination for Grade V and VI students to assess their Indonesian language skills before advancing to middle school. The visit is part of the routine agenda held over the last three years, reflecting the commitment to improving language proficiency from early education levels.
According to Reni Agustina, one of the teachers, this structured UKBI curriculum greatly assists students in distinguishing between formal and informal uses of the Indonesian language. She remarked, "Materi UKBI yang terstruktur juga memudahkan siswa mengidentifikasi bahasa yang baku dan tidak baku." This sentiment captures the essence of the program's orientation, which is not just about passing tests but fostering greater linguistic awareness among students.
During the visit, several activities were organized, including discussions led by coordinators from Balai Bahasa NTB, covering the adaptive systems and benefits intrinsic to the UKBI testing. Zamzam Hariro, a prospective language outreach worker, presented sample questions from the listening and response section of the assessment, engaging students actively as they answered collectively. "Luar biasa. Kemampuan siswa hari ini di atas rata-rata. Mereka telah memiliki intuisi kebahasaan yang lebih terasah," he stated, reflecting on the impressive language competence showcased by the students.
On the same day, teachers from various institutions participated actively in another significant event, namely the Bedah Soal ASPD workshop organized by MGMP Bahasa Indonesia at MTsN 1 Bantul. The workshop, held at the school's IPA laboratory, aimed to improve the quality of Indonesian language instruction through innovative exam preparation techniques.
Rina Harwati, the coordinator for MGMP, urged fellow educators, "Mari kita tingkatkan kualitas MGMP Bahasa Indonesia kita dengan menyelenggarakan berbagai pelatihan untuk meningkatkan kualitas kita sebagai guru di madrasah." This call to action emphasized collaboration among educators to share resources and strategies, thereby enhancing the overall teaching methodology used throughout the region.
Participated by around fifty teachers from both public and private schools, the workshop activities included not only the critique of exam questions but also the collective crafting of effective educational materials, preparing teachers for the upcoming ASPD testing slated for May 2025. This emphasis on collaborative training signifies the value placed on teacher development amid the educational reforms taking place across Indonesia.
The commitment to raising the bar for Indonesian language proficiency among students does not stop with rigorous testing. Additional support systems such as structured workshops and regular assessments are integral to this initiative, as they embrace the notion of education being not only about the individual student but their teachers as well. The dialogue sparked during these events sets the stage for active participation and growth within the education system.
Through these concerted efforts, schools like SD Lenterahati and institutions like MGMP reaffirm their dedication to nurturing language skills, which are key to empowering students and equipping them for future academic pursuits.
Weaving these educational threads together fosters an environment ripe for learning, where educators and students evolve together, and where linguistic proficiency becomes not only achievable but also celebrated. The collaborative spirit ignited through initiatives like UKBI and ASPD workshops embodies the forward momentum needed within Indonesia's educational framework.
Such initiatives mark significant progress and signal a promising future for Indonesian language proficiency programmings across schools nationwide.