Udayana University Signs MoU with the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Strengthening Synergy in Human Resource Development in Linguistics

Yogyakarta — The Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa) under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has established a strategic partnership with 13 universities across Indonesia. This collaboration aims to strengthen human resource development in the fields of linguistics and literature, while also expanding academic cooperation networks across institutions. Udayana University (Unud) was among the 13 universities that signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Language Development and Fostering Agency on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, in Yogyakarta.

Alongside Udayana University, other participating institutions included Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Universitas Hasanuddin, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Dian Nuswantoro Semarang, Universitas Bina Nusantara Jakarta, and UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto.

Representing the Head of the Language Agency, Ganjar Harimansyah, Secretary of the Agency, emphasized that collaboration between the government and universities must go beyond administrative agreements—it must manifest in impactful, real-world actions. “As W.S. Rendra once said, struggle is the realization of words. After signing this agreement, let us implement it synergistically to generate real benefits. This cooperation must be meaningful, dignified, and impactful,” stated Ganjar.

He added that the signing of this MoU reaffirms a long-standing partnership between the Language Agency and universities across the country. “This memorandum is not merely an administrative document, but a reaffirmation of collaboration and synergy that has long existed between the Language Agency and its partner universities. Through this agreement, we renew our commitment to genuine cooperation,” he said.

Ganjar also highlighted several successful examples of past collaborations. “We’ve learned a lot from best practices, such as the development of the Senarai Istilah Jawa (Javanese Terminology List) application in partnership with Universitas Dian Nuswantoro Semarang. Collaborations like this show that cooperation does not always rely on budgets—it can grow from shared participation and concern,” he explained. He further noted that the Language Agency considers human resource development a long-term institutional investment. “Our greatest investment is in human capital. Through this collaboration, we aim to prepare Language Agency staff to learn from and contribute alongside our university partners,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, S.T., Ph.D., Rector of Udayana University, in his remarks representing the university leaders, stated that this MoU signifies a concrete step of collaboration between universities and the government in strengthening the national linguistic ecosystem through the triple helix, quadruple helix, and pentahelix approaches.

“This collaboration is not just a formality—it should serve as a real space for cooperation between universities, the government, and the community. We want this partnership to bring broad, tangible, and sustainable benefits,” said Prof. Sudarsana.

He further added that during the prior discussion session, all parties had discussed strategies for implementing the collaboration, including concrete steps to be taken following the signing of the MoU. “We hope this MoU does not stop on paper but is immediately followed up with a Cooperation Agreement or Implementation Agreement (IA),” he remarked.

Through this collaboration, it is expected that the synergy between higher education institutions and the government will strengthen the development, preservation, and promotion of the Indonesian language and regional languages as an essential part of national development grounded in culture.