Singaraja- Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Undiksha) continues to expand Asian-level cooperation in the field of education development. This time it was established with Xinyang Normal University. This collaboration was realized with the establishment of the Balingkang Confucius Institute which was inaugurated on Friday (12/1/2024).
The inauguration was carried out by the President of Xinyang Normal University, Prof. Jun Li and the Rector of Undiksha, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Lasmawan, witnessed by representatives of the Acting Governor of Bali, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Denpasar, Zhu Xinglong, Deputy Chairperson and Secretary General of the China International Education Foundation, Zhao Lingshan, and other leaders at Undiksha.
Rector Undiksha, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Lasmawan, M.Pd., expressed his pride and happiness at the inauguration of the Balingkang Confucius Institute. The presence of various parties is considered proof that the ideas, concepts, built through cooperation between Undiksha and Xinyang Normal University are something to be proud of. It is said that the establishment of the Balingkang Confucius Institute is proof of Undiksha’s seriousness as one of the leading Education Personnel Education Institutions in the Eastern Indonesia region and Xinyang Normal University to empower and strengthen and awaken the dignity of humanity, especially in the education and culture segments.
The Balingkang Confucius Institute is legitimized, its name is inspired by the noble historical record that the Chinese nation has actually been present and existed on the island of Bali, especially in the Kintamani area. This was born from a sweet story, a sacred story, a love story between King Jaya Pangus and Kang Cing Wie. Of course, the naming of Balingkang is not something ordinary. But by mentioning the name Balingkang, it is hoped that everyone agrees that the Balingkang Confucius Institute will bring revival and benefit to Chinese cultural and language values in Bali which can build international awareness between Undiksha and Xinyang Normal University. “We Undiksha are very proud of the opening of this Confucius as the youngest Confucius in Indonesia and even the only province in Indonesia that has two Confucius is Bali,” said Prof. Lasmawan.
The establishment of this Confucius is in line with the mailstone that has been emphasized since 2019 that how Undiksha becomes a vehicle, a learning media for foreign communities with the International Reputable University in Education and Leadership (IRUEL) program. “We have built various collaborations with various institutes, universities, other stakeholders both abroad and domestically and as proof, it can currently be said that there are 61 students from China who are Undiksha students in the master’s and doctoral programs,” he said.
The existence of this Confucius has received an extraordinary response. As shown by the Mandarin language course which is quite popular. According to Prof. Lasmawan, this is a good start and needs to be continuously supported by program development. “Because a collaboration should be built in the formation of unlimited synergy that is mutually beneficial,” he added.
In the same place, the Chancellor of Xinyang Normal University, Prof. Li Jun, in his speech said that the existence of the Balingkang Confucius Institute is a collaborative work and is ready to welcome a promising future. According to him, this collaboration also provides the widest possible opportunity for the Indonesian people to understand the Chinese language and culture. In addition, the Chinese people understand the Indonesian language and culture.
According to Prof. Li Jun, the existence of the Balingkang Confucius Institute is not only for cooperation in the academic field. However, it is expected to be able to strengthen cooperation and build the dignity of human resources through international cooperation.
The Indonesian Director of the Balingkang Confucius Institute, Putu Ayu Prabawati Sudana, revealed that a number of programs have been planned for 2024. One of them is the Mandarin class. The Balingkang Confucius Institute will conduct trials in a number of schools, both elementary, middle, and high school levels. “In addition to training, another goal is the construction of a research center on Mandarin language and teaching which we will do internally and externally,” he explained.
