RRI.CO.ID, Phnom Penh - Interest in learning the Indonesian language among Cambodian citizens remains remarkably high, serving as a vital bridge for public diplomacy and bilateral friendship between the two nations.

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Phnom Penh reported strong engagement in the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program for Semester I/2026. A total of 125 Cambodian participants completed the 4.5-month program across key locations in Phnom Penh, including the Special Forces Command (911) Royal Cambodian Armed Forces headquarters, the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the University of Cambodia, and An-Nikmah School, along with online sessions supported by instructors from the Language Development and Fostering Agency under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

The semester concluded with an Indonesia–Cambodia Friendship Night held by KBRI Phnom Penh on July 25, 2026. The event featured awards for BIPA instructors, including Gitamaorezqi Maharani, who was recognized for teaching the language while actively promoting traditional arts through the Nusantara Cultural Center (Pusbudi), including angklung, kolintang, and zapin dance performances at regional cultural forums. Looking ahead to Semester II/2026, KBRI Phnom Penh plans to expand online learning options to meet continuing demand.

Indonesian diplomatic representatives highlighted that language education forms a fundamental pillar of soft-power diplomacy, fostering mutual trust and people-to-people connections beyond formal government relations. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim (KUAI) of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Krishnajie, emphasized the strategic role of language learning in deepening bilateral ties.

"Language is the most effective bridge to strengthen people-to-people relations between our two countries, language opens doors to mutual understanding, cultural familiarity, and trust. The more Cambodian people learn Indonesian, the stronger the foundation of friendship between our two countries will be in the future," Krishnajie said on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Krishnajie added that the embassy remains committed to expanding the BIPA program as a flagship public diplomacy instrument.

"Although learning in Semester II/2026 is planned to be conducted online, the embassy is confident that the enthusiasm of the Cambodian public will remain high, this will ensure that more young Cambodians become friends of Indonesia and solidify bilateral relations moving forward" Krishnajie noted. ***