Analysis of Arabic Language Learning at Higher Education Institutions with Multi-Religion Students

Abstract

Arabic language learning, in Indonesia, is commonly addressed to those with Islamic Religion. However, there are several problems associated with learning this language in higher education institutions due to the mandated rule that students can learn it, irrespective of their religion. This research aims to reveal the institution's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats since the inclusion of the Arabic language in the higher educational institution's curriculum. A qualitative approach was conducted in this research equipped with the data sources of students, lecturers, and policy documents related to the curriculum establishment. The collected data were classified, presented, and interpreted before concluding. The result showed that the institution's strengths are the availability of lecturers with excellent Arabic language competences as well as a language and study center. In addition, by teaching Arabic, it creates more job opportunities for graduates. Meanwhile, the institution's weaknesses are lecturers' language incompetence in certain fields, which vary from different study programs or faculties. Furthermore, due to the location of the four different regencies, students from regencies are unable to utilize the provided facilities. In addition, the institution is faced with the possibility of losing prospective students that do not understand Arabic transcriptions.