The Embassy of Indonesia in Vientiane has opened a free course for Lao nationals who are interested in learning Bahasa Indonesia, the language also spoken in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

This year marks the 8th anniversary of the course, supported by the government of the Republic of Indonesia. The Indonesian Language course has been conducted since 2010.

Conducted at the Indonesian embassy in Vientiane, the course comprises 2 levels: basic and advanced Indonesian skills. The course will last through October 2017.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on March 17, the Indonesian Ambassador to Laos, Mr Irmawan Emir Wisnandar, noted that the Indonesian language is one of the important elements that help enhance bilateral relations between Indonesia and Laos.

The Indonesian language course will help the Lao community better understand the richness of Indonesia’s culture and language, he pointed out.

Ambassador Irmawan Emir Wisnandar further stated that in order to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations between both countries in 2017, the Embassy will organise a number of activities involving alumni of the course and Friends of Indonesia in Lao PDR.

It is the expectation of the Ambassador that the participants of the course will continue to explore Bahasa Indonesia and continue to be part of Friends of Indonesia. Thus, the Embassy will be able to engage with the participants and alumni as a form of communication and the cooperation between the people of both countries.

 “This course draws attention from almost 80 Lao nationals. Of them, 65 are students, Vientiane residents and civil servants from the several ministries, and the rest are soldiers from the Ministry of National Defense,” said Defense Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy to the Lao PDR, Col. Albert B. Tiranda.

He noted that the course is available for free to all Lao people interested in learning the Indonesian language. Students will study one and a half hours per day starting at 4:30 PM from Monday to Thursday at the embassy and will be taught by both experienced Indonesian and Lao teachers.

 “This is my first time and I am very happy to join this course because I can improve my knowledge of foreign languages. I would like to express thanks to the government of Indonesia for giving me this opportunity to improve my knowledge and capacity. I was excited when I saw the ad for this course advertised in a newspaper because this will give me the chance to learn the Indonesian language free of charge and I want to make the most of my free time,” said Miss Somchith Ladtanakham, a law student.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by Singkham Yengtavanh

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