Language and Cultural Diplomacy of Islam Nusantara Through The Development of Cultural Immersion Materials for Indonesian Language Learning in Algeria

Abstract

This international community service program aimed to develop and implement a cultural immersion approach in Indonesian language learning for foreign speakers (BIPA) at Universitas Abbas Laghrour Khenchela, Algeria, with an emphasis on introducing Indonesian culture and expressions of Islamic life as part of language and cultural diplomacy. The program was conducted on September 6–7, 2026, through several stages, including socialization, training, the application of supporting technologies, mentoring and evaluation, and program sustainability planning. The learning materials integrated linguistic and cultural elements, including shalawat (devotional songs praising the Prophet Muhammad), pesantren traditions, Ramadan practices, Eid al-Fitr traditions, Islamic arts, religious traditions, halal cuisine, and Muslim attire. One example of the application of the materials was the use of the song Mari Sholawat, popularized by the Indonesian music group Wali, to introduce religious expression in Indonesian popular culture while providing a contextual setting for Indonesian language learning. The results indicate that the cultural immersion approach provided participants with opportunities to learn Indonesian through more concrete social and cultural contexts while encouraging cultural interaction and comparison between Indonesia and Algeria. Audiovisual media and technology served as supporting instruments for presenting cultural experiences to learners outside the Indonesian-speaking environment. The program also created opportunities for intercultural dialogue and strengthened academic relations between Universitas Negeri Jakarta and Universitas Abbas Laghrour Khenchela. Thus, culturally immersive BIPA learning has the potential to serve not only as a language learning approach but also as a means of Indonesian language and cultural diplomacy by introducing the diversity of Islamic expressions within Indonesian society.