USK’s International Students Take Top Honors at Indonesian Language Festival

International students of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 Indonesian Language Festival for Foreign Learners, a provincial-level competition hosted by the Aceh Provincial Language Office. The event, held on 17–18 November 2025 at the Postgraduate Building of UIN Ar-Raniry in Banda Aceh, brought together 27 participants from several universities across Aceh, including USK, UIN Ar-Raniry, Universitas Malikussaleh, Universitas Bina Bangsa Getsempena, Universitas Iskandar Muda, and Universitas Serambi Mekkah.

USK fielded a contingent of 12 international students competing in two categories: speech and storytelling. A number of them were part of the BIPA (Indonesian Language for Foreigners) – KNB (Developing Countries Partnership) Program, known for its intensive Indonesian language learning program.

Two students represented USK in the speech competition, while the remaining ten took on the storytelling category. The participants came from a wide range of countries, including Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Rwanda, and Thailand.

In the speech category, Busurmankul Kamarov, from Kyrgyzstan, won the First Place, while Malaysia’s Ahmad Al Farid bin Munawardhani earned the Favorite Award.

The storytelling competition also saw strong results for USK. Busraa Assoumani Gihozo, form Rwanda, won the First Place, followed by Abotle Ralekwalo from Botswana in Second Place and Md. Imran Mahmud from Bangladesh in Third. Jayleen Rizwold Qoqonokana from the Solomon Islands received the Favorite Award.

During the closing ceremony, Drs. Umar Solikhan, M.Hum, Head of the Aceh Provincial Language Office, praised the participants’ progress, noting the impressive development of their Indonesian language skills.

“All participants left a lasting impression with their diverse linguistic abilities. This festival is a significant step in promoting the Indonesian language globally. We hope these learners will serve as ambassadors for Bahasa Indonesia in their home countries,” he remarked.

Dr. Mukhlis, USK’s BIPA Program Coordinator and one of the competition judges, also expressed his appreciation.

“Each participant has given their utmost. Their dedication to learning Indonesian deserves recognition and should continue to be nurtured,” he said.

The annual festival continues to serve as an important platform for foreign learners to showcase their abilities, deepen their appreciation of Indonesian language and culture, and strengthen international linguistic ties.