China to establish language, cultural center

JAKARTA (JP): China is set to establish its first Chinese language and cultural center in Indonesia, the Kongzi Institute, in an attempt to broaden the use of Chinese language in here.

The institute will be established in cooperation between Beijing Hanban -- a Beijing-based organization appointed by the Chinese government to build Chinese language centers worldwide -- and Bina Terampil Insan Persada (BTIP), a Jakarta-based Chinese language course.

The establishment of Kongzi Institute was marked by the agreement signing Friday between the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Lan Lijun, and BTIP's director Philip Liwan Pangkey.

Lijun said in his speech that Kongzi Institute was aimed at introducing Chinese language and culture among Indonesians in a hope that it would enhance bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"We expect more Indonesians to be able to speak Chinese and understand Chinese culture in the hope that it will foster the strategic partnership that our governments have built," the ambassador said.

"In the last couple of years, China has been the world's focus due to its great economic development, and thus it will be important to master Chinese language to promote cooperation with the country."

Currently, there are 190 Kongzi Institutes established in more than 60 countries worldwide. The Jakarta Kongzi Institute will be the first of such institute in Indonesia.

Philip said that the Kongzi Institute would be established in BTIP's center in Central Jakarta. The language course has been established since 1996.

"We are very pleased to be appointed by the Beijing Hanban to establish the institute. This is an acknowledgement of our efforts for years to spread the use of Chinese language in Indonesia," he said. (Desy Nurhayati/**)