‘Arabic Month’ to be held in many Indonesian cities

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Arabic Language Service announced they are organizing more than 10 training courses on ‘One-Month Arabic Language Program’ in a number of Indonesian cities.
The program is being implemented by the center in its second session within the framework of its international programs which kicked off on Oct. 16 and will end in November, 2014.
Dr. Ahmad Fuad Effendy, a member of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center of Arabic Language, head of Arabic Teachers Union in Indonesia and the national coordinator of the Arabic Month said that various parties in Indonesia have welcomed the Arabic Month in Indonesia which was initiated by King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Center for Arabic Language.
He said this move of the Saudi government reflects the excellent relationship between the two countries and that it was a wonderful opportunity for Indonesians to learn the Arabic language in their own country.
Effendy further told Arab News that there are a number of Indonesian coordinators for this program.
The Arabic Month has various activities including writing a book about Arabic teaching in Indonesia which involved ten authors from a number of universities whose work was presented in the seminar held on Oct. 16 in Jakarta.
The other three books were about Arabic scholarship/experts and Arabic teaching institutes in Indonesia including a compilation of Arabic international seminar articles in Indonesia.
Training for teachers and lecturers is being held in five universities located in Java, Sumatera and the islands of Nusa Tenggara by nine trainers from Imam Muhammad Ibnu Sa’ud University, Riyadh.
“The participants have appreciated the program and felt that they will benefit from the training,” Effendy said, adding that the coming years will see a number of programs for Arabic learning in Indonesia.
Prof. Dr. Taufiq Ahmad Dardiri, chairman of the Indonesian Arabic Teachers Association, stated that his association was proud of being appointed as a partner to organize the Arabic Month.
Dr. Tulus Musthofa, general secretary of the association, added that IMLA (Indonesian Maritime Law Association) has a wide range of networks covering various universities in Indonesia that have facilitated the implementation of this nationwide event.
Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi secretary general of the Center said that a number of professors from Saudi universities are participating in the one-month Arabic language program.
He added that the Center is also organizing training courses in a number of Indonesian universities in different cities of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University.
The top event of the Arabic month in the coming days will be held in Malang City. It will consist of the following: Indonesian Children Writing Arabic Letter Festivals, Saudi-Indonesian International Scientific Meeting, an Arabic Festival that will be attended by several Arab countries’ embassies in Jakarta, competition of Arabic language skills: Arabic poetry recitation, Arabic calligraphy, Arabic theater, Arabic Debating Competition, article writing and its presentation in Arabic and an innovative Arabic teaching model video.
“On the closing night of this event, we will give away awards to institutions and personalities who have contributed to the development of the Arabic language in Indonesia,” Ahrul Sani, Indonesian embassy spokes person said.
The Arabic Month program is considered especially beneficial for Indonesian students who have studied Islamic teachings and the Qur’an as it will offer them the opportunity to improve their knowledge of Arabic, their second language and learn it from native speakers.