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| One of the international students from Sierra Leone, West Africa shows the results of his batik (Photo : Istimewah) |
The introduction of Indonesian culture to international students at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is not only limited to language. Through the Indonesian Language Institute for Foreign Speakers (BIPA), UMM introduced batik cloth and how to make it to international students. This program was held for one day at LPK Batik Soendari on Friday (12/08).
Head of UMM BIPA, Dr. Arif Budi Wurianto, M.Sc., explained that cultural introduction is one of the essential things to facilitate the learning process of international students at UMM. According to the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud) regulations, international students must learn about Indonesian culture and language for one year before starting the lecture.
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"So to study in Indonesia, foreign students will be given language lessons in class, but on the other hand, there is also cultural learning and activities such as visiting local tours. On this occasion, they are taught to make their batik cloth creations," explained the lecturer of the Indonesian Language Department.
Regarding the batik program, one of the UMM BIPA staff, Sri Ayu Ramadhani, S.Psi., M.Si, explained that the students were introduced to two batik types: stamped batik and written batik. The method of making stamped batik is simply by attaching an existing pattern to the fabric. Meanwhile, written batik is made by depicting patterns on the fabric using canting and wax.
"There are two patterns for stamped batik, apples, and masks, typical of Malang culture. Then there is an Indonesian Dirgahayu inscription for the batik in two different writing styles. The results of this batik class will later be sent to foreign students after going through the drying process," he said.
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Meanwhile, one of the international students, Aminata Dao, said that this batik program was fun. He also said that he would learn how to make batik more deeply outside the classes provided. "Although we had problems because we had to draw small and small patterns, the whole process of learning to make batik was very exciting. Unfortunately, the time we get to study is only a few hours. In my opinion, the time is short. Therefore I want to learn more about batik outside of this class program," said Sierra Leone, a West African student.
Furthermore, Aminata shared her six months of learning experiences in Indonesia. In addition to learning the language in class, he was invited to get to know Indonesian culture and history outside the campus. It also helps him to hone his Indonesian language skills with outsiders. "Learning at BIPA UMM is fun because we understand Indonesian culture and language more. I am looking forward to the following programs from BIPA," he said. (cdr/syi/wil)
