Mataram, University of Mataram – UPT. Language Center of the University of Mataram (Pubah Unram) held a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) for three days from 1-3 December 2023 at Jayakarta Hotel, Senggigi. The FGD raised the theme “Language Services and Development of Language Teaching Materials at the University of Mataram Language Center UPT in Preparing the Global Generation”.

Head of UPT Pubah Unram, Boniesta Zulandha Melani, M.A., Ph.D. in her remarks conveyed the purpose of holding this FGD is to become a forum for sharing ideas related to what future needs concerning language center services are needed. “This is very important for us to discuss in preparing the global generation,” she said.

“Of course, I hope that the invited guests who attended from various elements of society can contribute strategic thoughts in improving language services,” added Boniesta.

The head of UPT Pubah Unram also explained that his institution in the future would introduce new foreign languages besides English, such as Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese. Not only that, UPT Pubah Unram also continues to develop the Summer Course program, especially for teaching Indonesian.

“Through this event we have also prepared and discussed with several institutions to establish cooperation. Because coincidentally on this morning’s occasion, several representatives from institutions that have partnered with UPT. Language Center and also maybe those who still have not. Hopefully through cooperation or the signing of an MoU or MoA, and IA we can establish cooperation as has been established with other institutions in previous years, “concluded Boniesta.

In addition, the Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D. gave a speech and opened the FGD event. The Rector of Unram emphasized the importance of learning foreign languages.

“With our mastery of foreign languages, we can understand the knowledge that is spread everywhere, in journals, in books written in foreign languages. How can we ask questions, communicate and build cooperation with the outside world without knowing or communicating in their language? This is what we need to realize. We really learn their language, this is a very important part in developing our knowledge,” said Prof. Bambang.

The professor of the Faculty of Agriculture revealed that all elements of society must work together in mobilizing foreign language learning for the community. Prof. Bambang also added that the development of foreign language teaching materials must be based on 4C, namely Critical Thinking, Communication, Creative Thinking, and Collaboration.

“Of course, we must strive so that the UPT Language Center becomes a driving force together with partners, which we then build together and work together in improving the intelligence of the nation, especially in mastering foreign languages,” concluded the Rector of Unram.

The FGD was attended by various educational partners consisting of the Rector of Muhammadiyah Mataram University, Rector of Bumigora Mataram University, Vice Rector I of Nahdatul Ulama University NTB, Director of Mataram Health Polytechnic, Gde Pudja Mataram State Hindu Institute, Head of Sayang Ibu Natural Islamic Boarding School, Head of Mataram Tourism College, Principal of SMAN 1 Mataram, Principal of SMAN 1 Gerung, Principal of SMAN 1 Praya, Head of Language Unit of Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, Head of NTB Provincial Education Office, and resource person (Head of Lab of State Islamic University Mataram).