Maros — The International Office of Alauddin State Islamic University (UIN) Makassar organized a cultural introduction and Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing (BIPA) program at Kampoeng Karst Rammang-Rammang, Maros Regency, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Conducted in the form of an outing class, the activity brought together international students and students from the English Education Study Program as part of an interactive cross-cultural learning experience.
The program marked the opening session of BIPA 1, which will later continue through classroom-based learning. From the perspective of the International Office, the activity represents an important initiative to support campus internationalization through direct exposure to Indonesian language and local culture.
The Head of the International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar, Dr. Serliah Nur, M.Hum., M.Ed., explained that the program was designed to provide a more contextual, communicative, and engaging learning environment for international students. Through direct interaction with local culture and daily communication practice, participants were encouraged to improve their Indonesian language skills while adapting to the surrounding social environment.
In addition to international students, the activity also involved students from the English Education Study Program who are currently taking the course English for Tour Guides and MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition). Their participation served as practical training in communication, cultural assistance, and educational tourism guidance.
Throughout the program, participants received introductory Indonesian language instruction, cultural orientation, and opportunities to engage in intercultural interaction through various educational activities in the Rammang-Rammang karst tourism area.
Through the implementation of BIPA 1, the International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international student support programs, particularly in language development and cross-cultural engagement within the university environment.
