UNIPMA—The Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program (PBSI) of Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) discussed the position of Indonesian language and literature amid the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the need for cross-cultural literacy, and global diplomacy through SAMBHASANA V on Thursday (20/8).

The seminar, held online via Zoom Meeting, carried the theme “Indonesian Language and Literature Education as a Pillar of Education, Culture, and Global Diplomacy Toward the 2030 SDGs.” The forum brought together academics from Indonesia and Thailand to discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing Indonesian language and literature education in a global context.

Three speakers took part in the seminar: Aminoh Jehwae from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand; Prof. Dr. Siti Isnaniah, S.Pd., M.Pd. from UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta; and Dr. Ermi Adriani Meikayanti, S.Pd., M.Pd. from UNIPMA.

Head of the PBSI Study Program at UNIPMA, Dr. Muhammad Binur Huda, M.Pd., said that the discussion went beyond issues related to language and literature learning in the classroom. “The issues discussed included AI in education, BIPA, cross-cultural literacy, as well as language and cultural diplomacy,” he said.

Dr. Muhammad Binur Huda, M.Pd., added that literature can also play a role in building intercultural communication. “Through literary works and literacy, participants are encouraged to see language not only as a means of communication but also as a means of understanding different cultural perspectives,” he added.

In addition to the main session, the committee held parallel paper presentations through five breakout rooms. Participants presented and discussed various ideas on Indonesian language and literature education from diverse perspectives.

The five subthemes discussed included literature as a bridge for international cooperation, innovations in Indonesian language and literature learning, the use of AI in education, collaboration between education and language diplomacy, and strategies for internationalizing the Indonesian language through BIPA.

The series of discussions highlighted the challenges facing Indonesian language and literature education in an era of technological change and increasing cross-cultural interaction. The seminar also linked the development of the field to the 2030 SDGs agenda, particularly through education and the strengthening of literacy.

SAMBHASANA V ultimately served as a forum to discuss how Indonesian language and literature can continue to be developed to remain relevant to educational needs, technological advancements, and global communication.