Exploring discursive constructions of Indonesian and multicultural values in BIPA textbook: a critical discourse study

The BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia for Foreign Speakers) program is a cultural diplomacy initiative by Indonesia’s Language Development and Cultivation Agency aimed at promoting the Indonesian language and culture globally. This study examines Sahabatku Indonesia untuk Pelajar BIPA 1 textbook (2019), specifically the Wawasan Keindonesiaan (Insight into Indonesia) sections, to explore how Indonesian and multicultural values are represented. As the introductory textbook in the BIPA series, it plays a foundational role in shaping learners’ understanding of the language and cultural context. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study reveals that the textbook effectively embeds national and multicultural values through culturally significant vocabulary and visual content. Themes of respect, unity, and diversity are emphasized, offering learners not only linguistic competence but also deep cultural insights. Thus, the textbook functions as both a language learning resource and a cultural diplomacy tool, fostering an appreciation of Indonesian values among foreign learners.