THE Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Yangon launched the sixth batch of the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) course free of charge on 7 September, in collaboration with the Indonesian International School Yangon (IISY), attracting a large number of interested students.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Mr Novan Ivanhoe Saleh of the Indonesian embassy highlighted that the Indonesian language course not only aims to teach the language but also serves as a cultural bridge, strengthening ties between the peoples of Indonesia and Myanmar.
“Learning a new language is like opening a door to a new world. We hope that participants will not only learn grammar and vocabulary but also understand the spirit of Indonesia—its people, culture, and traditions— through the BIPA course,” said the embassy official.
He added that proficiency in the Indonesian language can open up broader opportunities for Myanmar students, including the possibility of pursuing higher education in Indonesia through various available scholarships.
Mr Harlianto Tarmizi, Coordinator of Information and Socio-Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, said that since 2022, more than 200 students from various fields have participated in Indonesian language courses.
“The 6/2025 course will have 40 participants and will cover Level 1, with classes held from 8:30 am to 11:30 am every Sunday for three months. The total number of BIPA trainees for 2025 is 80,” he said.
The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon hopes to promote friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the peoples of Indonesia and Myanmar through Indonesian language courses. This goal is even more meaningful as the Indonesian language reached a milestone with its recognition as the 10th official language by the UNESCO General Conference on 20 November 2023, highlighting its global importance.
The Indonesian Language Course (BIPA) has been offered twice a year, free of charge, since 2022 — once from March to May and again from September to November — and has drawn strong interest from participants. Those who wish to join are informed a month in advance through the Indonesian Embassy’s social media pages. Applicants must be at least 18 years old or have completed high school to be eligible.
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