Indonesian Language Learning Assistance for Foreign Speakers through A Cultural Immersion Approach at Abbas Laghrour University, Algeria

Abstract

This community service program aimed to provide Indonesian language learning assistance for foreign speakers through a cultural immersion approach at Abbas Laghrour University, Algeria. The program was conducted on September 6–7, 2026, as part of an international collaboration between Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) and Abbas Laghrour University. The assistance integrated Indonesian language learning with the introduction of Indonesian culture through two communicative contexts: “Getting to Know UNJ Campus,” representing the academic environment, and “Let’s Go to Tanah Abang Market!”, presenting an everyday social context. The learning materials were delivered through audiovisual multimedia, presentations, worksheets, mission cards, and role-play activities. Approximately 40 master’s and doctoral students from various study programs participated in the activity, along with lecturers and university leadership representatives. The program consisted of coordination, material delivery, communicative activities, learning assistance, and observation of participants’ engagement. The results indicated that the cultural immersion approach provided concrete contexts for introducing Indonesian vocabulary, communicative expressions, and cultural aspects. Participants demonstrated enthusiasm and active engagement in the learning activities, particularly in the use of audiovisual materials and simulated communication situations. The program also produced an initial set of culturally contextualized BIPA learning materials that can be further developed in subsequent programs. Although Virtual Reality (VR) technology was initially planned as part of the program, the actual implementation relied on audiovisual multimedia due to equipment limitations. This approach has the potential to support BIPA learning while strengthening academic collaboration and cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and Algeria.