First IELTS in South Kalimantan: ULM Encourages Kalimantan’s Human Resources to Compete Globally
Banjarmasin — Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) once again demonstrated its role in expanding access to international-standard education by holding the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for the first time in South Kalimantan. This activity was carried out by the ULM Language Academic Implementation Unit (UPA), in collaboration with IALF Bali, on Saturday (April 4, 2026) in Banjarmasin.
The first IELTS test was attended by 18 participants from various regions in Kalimantan, such as South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan. Participants were dominated by lecturers, students, and pupils who were preparing for further studies or scholarship opportunities abroad.
Head of UPA Language ULM, Dr. Hj. Noor Eka Chandra, M.Pd., said that the implementation of the IELTS test is a strategic step by ULM in responding to the community’s need for access to international standard English language certification without having to leave the region.
“We want the academic community and the public to simply take the IELTS test in Banjarmasin. There’s no need to travel to Java, which incurs significant additional costs. Now, ULM can administer the IELTS test in accordance with international standards,” he said.
Until now, the limited availability of IELTS test locations in Kalimantan has been a barrier for people wishing to continue their education abroad. With the availability of IELTS testing services at ULM, geographical barriers and travel costs can be reduced, thus opening up access to global opportunities.
The availability of IELTS testing services at ULM emphasizes ULM’s role as a facilitator in improving the community’s global competency. This was evident in the enthusiasm of participants, including those from outside the region. One participant, Emerald, from Palangkaraya, appreciated the professional and smooth implementation of the test.
“This is my first time taking the IELTS in Banjarmasin. I hope this test can continue to be held here,” she said.
A similar sentiment was echoed by Gastin, a student at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) at ULM, who felt comfortable taking the test on campus.
“When else can you take a test on your own campus? The experience is enjoyable and makes you feel more confident,” he said.
Through collaboration with the international institution IALF, ULM ensures that the IELTS test meets global standards, in terms of procedures, facilities, and scoring systems. This step also strengthens ULM’s position as a center for language development in Kalimantan.
Going forward, ULM is committed to making this service a sustainable program. The presence of an IELTS test center in Banjarmasin is expected to serve people not only from South Kalimantan, but also Central and East Kalimantan.
With this facility, Lambung Mangkurat University further emphasizes its role in supporting increased global competitiveness, opening international scholarship opportunities, and encouraging the development of superior human resources from Kalimantan who are capable of competing internationally.
