Matching strategies with expectations: do BIPA teaching methods meet the needs of international students?

Abstract

Bahasa Indonesia is gaining recognition as a foreign language, with the BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing) program serving as a key platform for cultural and linguistic outreach. While research often focuses on curriculum and teacher practices, little is known about the expectations of international students. This study examines how far BIPA teaching strategies align with those expectations. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected from 235 students through a survey and 25 follow-up interviews. The analysis compared expectations and perceptions across communicative speaking, cultural content, multimedia use, and peer collaboration. Findings show that students valued cultural integration and constructive feedback, but noted gaps in communicative practice, collaboration, and multimedia use. These misalignments suggest that more consistent student-centered and interactive approaches are needed. The study highlights the importance of embedding cultural relevance and digital support in BIPA instruction. Its scope, however, was limited to selected institutions and student self-reports. Future studies should adopt longitudinal designs and include teacher perspectives to provide a fuller understanding of BIPA pedagogy.