by Hayati Nupus
JAKARTA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- For Aulina Nadhira Mirranti, learning Chinese has become more than just acquiring a new language; it has brought her closer to the Chinese idols she has long admired.
The Jakarta-based employee of a legal consulting firm said her interest in the Chinese language began with her admiration for Huang Renjun and Lay Zhang, both male pop singers of China.
"I hope one day I'll have the chance to meet them and speak directly in their language," Aulina told Xinhua, holding a keychain adorned with photos of her idols.
Aulina began studying Chinese in December 2025 after enrolling in a free language program taught by native Chinese instructors at China Space, located within Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque. The course is open to the public and has attracted strong interest since its launch.
She admitted that Chinese is not easy to master, but after nearly two months of study, she has started to understand parts of her idols' conversations during their live social media broadcasts.
"Now when they go live, I can already catch some words and sentences," she said with a smile.
Mulyono Lodji, director of voice of Istiqlal, said the Chinese language course was established through cooperation between the Istiqlal Mosque, the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, and the Confucius Institute at the University of Al Azhar Indonesia, which provides both instructors and teaching materials.
"This program originated from intergovernmental cooperation and later developed into a public learning space," he said. "It is not only about learning a language, but also about fostering cross-cultural understanding."
Each course level lasts three months, with classes held twice a week. Enrollment demand consistently exceeds the available quota. Teaching methods emphasize interaction, including practical exercises, conversation practice, and cultural simulations.
In addition to language skills, participants are introduced to Chinese etiquette, traditions, and social practices, such as table manners, to help them better understand Chinese civilization.
Through the free course, the Chinese language has become both a means of communication and a cultural bridge linking Indonesia and China. Participants' language proficiency is aligned with internationally recognized Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (the Chinese Proficiency Test) standards.
Now in its third year, the program has produced more than 200 alumni.
Feri Ansori, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Al Azhar Indonesia, said Chinese language proficiency has become a strategic advantage as ties between Indonesia and China continue to deepen.
He noted that Chinese companies are increasingly present across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.
"The current trend is no longer just about training translators," he said. "Graduates in fields such as law or accounting who can also speak Chinese now have a significant advantage."
However, he stressed that learning Chinese should not be driven solely by economic considerations, but also by a genuine interest in Chinese culture, so that the learning process remains engaging.
With the growing demand for Chinese language education in recent years, multiple Confucius Institutes have been established across Indonesia, providing Chinese language instruction and cultural exchange programs at universities. The latest institute was inaugurated in October 2025 at Padang State University on the island of Sumatra.
"There is a teaching network that continues to grow," Feri said. ■