Riyadh, September 8, 2026 – The Indonesian Language Teaching Program for Arabic Speakers (BIPA) in collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh and Majma'ah University was successfully implemented from July to August 2026. The graduation ceremony for the first batch of 49 participants was held in the Majma'ah University hall on September 6, 2026.  

Present at this event were the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz, the Chancellor of Majma'ah University Saleh bin Abdullah Al Mezel, the Education and Culture Attaché (Atdikbud) of the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh Muhammad Irfan Helmy, BIPA teachers, Majma'ah University lecturers, BIPA course participants, and other invited guests.  

The Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, Muhammad Irfan Helmy, stated that Indonesian is easy to learn. This is evidenced by the large number of Saudi Arabian citizens interested in participating in the course. "The award from participants who passed the Majmaah University BIPA program is proof that Indonesian is popular among Saudis because it is easy to learn," Irfan said.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Majma'ah University, Saleh bin Abdullah Al Mezel, said that he was grateful for the successful implementation of this program and that it could become a bridge of communication and culture between the two countries.

"I'm grateful that this program went smoothly. I hope it will become a cultural bridge between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia," said Saleh.

"Furthermore, the relationship between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia has been long-standing, and this Indonesian language course will bring positive values and mutual progress. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing relationship, and hopefully, this Indonesian language course will bring positive results," Saleh added.

On the same occasion, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Chancellor of Majma'ah University, all leaders, directors, lecturers, and all staff of Majma'ah University.

Ambassador Abdul assessed that the program that was running was very good and was an Indonesian language learning experience and introduction to beautiful culture. "We saw how well the program was managed, how warm the hospitality was given, and how much attention was given to all participants. All of this made our experience in learning Indonesian and getting to know Indonesian culture a beautiful and special experience," stressed Abdul.

To the course participants, Ambassador Abdul expressed his pride in having studied Indonesian language and culture.  

"You have all learned vocabulary, grammar, conversation, reading, and writing in Indonesian. More importantly, you have all learned about Indonesia through its culture, traditions, and the daily lives of its people. For us, your presence in this program is a source of pride and a very valuable and special experience," he explained.

Ambassador Abdul's final message to the course participants was to continue learning, experimenting, and practicing using Indonesian in their daily lives. "Use Indonesian whenever you have the opportunity, and share your experiences learning it with your family, friends, and the surrounding community," the Ambassador emphasized.

The BIPA program is a priority program of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which continuously encourages the growth of foreign speakers of Indonesian on the global stage. The BIPA program is also facilitated, among others, by the Education and Culture Attaché (Atdikbud) in collaboration with the Indonesian Representative in the accredited country. "In addition, the BIPA Graduation Class I at Majma'ah University is a signal of optimism for the initiation of more advanced cooperation in the field of Indonesian language and culture between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia," concluded Irfan. [Author: Atdikbud, Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh / Editor: Denty A / Andrew Fangidae]

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Writer: Kontributor BKHM

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

Ruang Pemerintah Ruang Mitra Ruang Publik Ruang Bahasa Vokasi Guru Dikdasmen Mitra Dikdasmen Pegiat Literasi Penguatan Pendidikan Unggul, Literasi, Numerasi dan Sains Teknologi Pembangunan Bahasa dan Sastra