Kotamobagu, ZONABMR.COM – The sound of light footsteps filled the courtyard of Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 1 Kotamobagu that Monday morning, September 29, 2025.
The students moved in rhythm, welcoming someone they had been eagerly waiting for.
The schoolyard turned into a stage of culture as traditional Bolaang Mongondow dances—Momosad and Kabela—were performed with joy and pride.
The celebration marked the arrival of Mr. Jonathan Morris, affectionately called Mas Jono, an Australian educator from Finigan School of Distance Education, New South Wales.
Behind his warm smile, Mas Jono looked genuinely amazed.
“He was deeply impressed with our students’ performances,” said the school’s principal, Drs. Arkam Lahiya, M.Pd.
For Arkam, this visit was more than just a cultural exchange—it was a chance to strengthen the teaching and learning of English, a key skill to prepare his students for the global stage.
With his distinct accent, Mas Jono encouraged students to speak in English. Simple exchanges soon turned into bridges connecting Kotamobagu with another continent.
“I’m happy to support both teachers and students in learning English. The Zoom program that links Indonesian and Australian students is an important step to build language skills,” he said.
Yet, he also shared a concern: the declining interest in learning Indonesian in his country.
“Sadly, not many universities in Australia still teach Bahasa Indonesia. It’s actually a simple language to learn, and it’s very important considering how widely it’s spoken and Indonesia’s growing economy,” he pointed out.
Even so, Mas Jono left the students with more hope than worry. He encouraged them to pursue opportunities abroad through exchange programs.
“Those opportunities exist, whether through government initiatives or scholarships. Students just need to be proactive in looking for information,” he reminded them.
For Principal Arkam, the message was clear: education at MAN 1 Kotamobagu must not be confined by borders.
“We will continue to build international collaborations to improve our quality. Our hope is that this madrasah will produce graduates ready to compete not just nationally, but globally,” he concluded.
That day, MAN 1 Kotamobagu was not just welcoming a guest from afar. Together with Mas Jono, they were embracing the world through English—building confidence, breaking barriers, and preparing to step onto the global stage.
