Developing BIPA teaching materials based on Kediri local culture

Abstract

The Indonesian language program for foreign speakers (BIPA) plays a strategic role in linguistic diplomacy and internationalization of Indonesian. However, learning is often hampered by the gap between learners' communicative needs and available teaching materials. At Syekh Wasil State Islamic University Kediri, Level Four foreign students struggle with listening and speaking, and lack understanding of local culture, since materials remain conventional. This study develops a valid digital teaching material based on Kediri's local culture and describes its feasibility in BIPA learning. The approach used is Research and Development, referring to a simplified Borg and Gall model, comprising needs analysis, design planning, product development, expert validation, and field trials with Thai students. Findings show the product has multimodal features integrating reading texts with local wisdom, cultural videos via code-scanning, and game-based evaluation. Expert validation showed highly suitable qualification with near-perfect scores. Field trials showed a positive response, with 95 percent acceptance. The study concludes that integrating cultural materials such as folk legends, culinary delights, and local tourism digitally is feasible and supports motivation and cross-cultural understanding.