Bandung, 8 May 2026. The Arabic Language Student Association (KEMABA) of FPBS UPI organized Studio Arab Al Wafā’ (SAFA) at Auditorium A of FPBS UPI. The activity, which began at 1:00 p.m. WIB, was attended by 60 participants from various semesters and became one of the student development efforts in preparing for Arabic language competitions, particularly munazarah (Arabic debate) and khitabah (Arabic speech).
The SAFA activity was motivated by the decline in student participation in Arabic language competitions. In addition, many students still lacked the confidence to enter the competition arena due to limited experience and understanding of competition mechanisms.
Through this activity, KEMABA sought to provide a learning space as well as initial training so that students would be better prepared and more confident to participate in various competitions at both the regional and national levels.
The activity lasted for 3 hours and 30 minutes and was divided into two main sessions, namely the munazarah session and the khitabah session. In its implementation, participants not only received material presentations, but also practice simulations that gave them a direct sense of the competition atmosphere.
The khitabah material was delivered by Insi Mardiyyah, who is known as a winner of various national-level khitabah competitions. Meanwhile, the munazarah material was presented by Rifki Zaidan Ilmani, who has also earned several achievements in national-level munazarah competitions.
During the activity, participants learned many new things, ranging from the basic concepts of competition, implementation mechanisms, and performance structure to the various categories within each competition branch. The practice simulations in both sessions also became the part that drew the greatest attention from participants because they provided direct experience.
One participant, Ramiz Syadza Haura, admitted that he gained new experience and insight during the activity.
“It was really exciting and very insightful, especially the munazarah simulation, which was very fun and interesting. It made us feel challenged to try something new,” he said.
In her remarks, Dr. Mia Nurmala, M.Pd. expressed the hope that SAFA would become the beginning of a renewed spirit among Arabic Language students of FPBS UPI to become actively involved in competitions once again.
“Hopefully, after this activity has been carried out, Arabic Language students of FPBS UPI will once again take part in competitions that they had not previously joined at the national level, and hopefully they will be able to represent the institution in national competitions,” she stated.
As a follow-up, KEMABA FPBS UPI plans to hold regular coaching sessions for students who are interested in joining Arabic language competitions. Through this program, students are expected to continue developing their abilities while preparing themselves more thoroughly for future competitions.
KEMABA hopes that the SAFA activity will produce delegates who are not only confident, but also capable of competing in national-level Arabic munazarah and khitabah competitions.
