From Indonesia to Tianjin: Teachers Use Language to Build Cultural Bridges

A group of Indonesian teachers is making waves at Tianjin University with an inspiring project that combines creativity, language learning, and cultural exchange. Their AI-composed class song, with its uplifting lyrics about unity and growth, has become a hit among students and faculty at the university’s School of International Education.

The song was created by students in the first cohort of the International Chinese Education Master’s Program for Indonesian Trilingual School Teachers. As part of a class assignment exploring AI’s role in education, the project reflects the program’s innovative approach to teaching. “This was more than just an assignment,” said Suviana, one of the song’s creators. “It was a way for us to express our shared goals and dreams.”

A New Chapter in China-Indonesia Collaboration

The master’s program is part of a collaboration between the Chinese Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, and the Indonesian Trilingual School Association. Launched in December 2023, the program aims to train Indonesian Chinese language teachers and equip them with advanced skills to promote Chinese education back home.

This year, 39 teachers from Indonesia began their two-year academic journey in Tianjin. They are not only honing their teaching abilities but also serving as bridges between Chinese and Indonesian cultures. “We’re not just teachers—we’re cultural ambassadors,” said Saifus Somad, one of the students.

Personal Stories: Connecting Through Language and Culture

For Suviana, a Chinese-Indonesian teacher, the Chinese language has always been more than just a subject—it’s a key to understanding her heritage. “Learning a language is the first step to understanding a culture,” she said. After years of teaching Chinese in Jakarta, she’s seen how the language can open doors for students from all backgrounds. “It’s not just Chinese-Indonesian families. Even parents from other communities are learning Chinese with their kids. They see it as a skill that can change their futures.”

For Saifus Somad, one of the few non-Chinese-Indonesian students in the program, learning Chinese transformed his perspective. “Studying Chinese in high school gave me a deeper understanding of Chinese-Indonesian culture and broke down barriers,” he said. Now a Chinese teacher in East Java, Somad believes that the language is a bridge for fostering understanding and harmony. “Learning Chinese gives young Indonesians more opportunities and helps them connect with Chinese culture,” he added.

Immersing in Chinese Culture

During their time in Tianjin, the students have experienced firsthand the richness of Chinese culture. They’ve composed songs with AI tools, studied classical poetry, practiced calligraphy, and even performed an Indonesian-inspired version of A Dream of Red Mansions at a university event.

“These experiences have deepened my understanding of Chinese culture,” Suviana said. “When we studied classical poetry, we were moved by the line, ‘A letter from home is worth a thousand pieces of gold.’ Many of us were in tears because we could relate so strongly to that feeling of longing.”

Building a Shared Future

This program is part of Tianjin University’s broader mission to promote international education and cultural exchange. By fostering collaboration with ASEAN countries and creating platforms for mutual learning, the university is helping to build stronger ties between China and its neighbors.

For Suviana and her classmates, the program has been life-changing. “This experience has strengthened my sense of purpose,” she said. “I hope more Indonesian teachers can follow in our footsteps, come to China, study at Tianjin University, and become bridges between our two nations.”

By Eva Yin