Indonesian Language Diplomacy in the United States of America Through the Bahasa Indonesia Bagi Penutur Asing (BIPA) Program

Abstract

Indonesian language (bahasa Indonesia) can be a soft power in promoting Indonesia in the international arena. The government through the Language Development and Development Agency took the initiative to facilitate foreign speakers to learn Indonesian through the BIPA program. The purpose of this study is to find out how Indonesian language diplomacy is in the United States through the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers or Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing (BIPA) program. This study uses the concept of Cultural Diplomacy. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative research method. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of literature studies and interviews with BIPA Coordinators, BIPA teachers and students in the United States. The results of this study showed that cultural and Indonesian language diplomacy carried out through the BIPA program in the United States has been running since 2017 until today, where since the Covid-19 pandemic until now learning has been carried out online. The process of delivering materials is carried out by BIPA teaching staff who have been selected through various stages of selection. To find out how the results of BIPA learning in the United States, students must display their Indonesian language skills through a virtual Indonesian language showcase.