Octo Dendy Andriyanto, Pensri Panich, Gatut Susanto, Wanda Ramansyah, Ahmad Jami'ul Amil, Meilita Hardika
Background/purpose. This study aims to analyze the need for local wisdom-based Indonesian as a Foreign Language (BIPA) evaluation materials for Thai students and propose a design to enhance language proficiency and cultural awareness. The growing interest in learning Indonesian stems from diverse purposes, including business, academics, and tourism. While Indonesian language learning in Thailand is dynamic, with a focus on media and teaching materials, evaluation methods remain institution-specific. Currently, there is no standardized BIPA evaluation system in Thailand, highlighting the need for assessments aligned with the characteristics of Thai learners. Materials/methods. This research adopts a qualitative approach through literature reviews, interviews, and questionnaires. It explores local wisdom-based BIPA evaluation methods and examines Indonesian language proficiency as a response to globalization and cultural preservation. This research describes a local wisdom-based Indonesian language evaluation design for Political Science Walailak University students to measure Indonesian language competence. Results. The findings introduce the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test for Thai Speakers (UKBIBATH), designed to assess Indonesian language skills among students at Walailak University, Thailand. The instrument integrates Indonesian local wisdom, including art, literature, and cultural elements, to address global challenges and promote both language competency and cultural awareness. Conclusion. BIPA evaluation materials for Thai students are a strategic step toward increasing their language competency and cultural awareness. The design of evaluation instruments that integrate local values not only supports linguistic learning but also enriches their understanding of Indonesian culture holistically. © The Author(s), 2025.
The Faculty Languages and Arts, The Universitas Negeri, Surabaya, Indonesia; Walailak University, Thailand; The Indonesian Literature Department, The Faculty of Letters, Universitas Negeri, Malang, Indonesia; The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, The University of Trunojoyo Madura, East Java, Indonesia; The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, The Universitas Trunojoyo, Madura, Indonesia; The School of Political Science and Public Administration, Walailak University, Thailand; The German Literature Department, The Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
