From UIN Jakarta to the Ivy League: Fakhri Fauzi’s Mission to Globalize the Indonesian Language

JAKARTA, UIN Online News – For Fakhri Fauzi, education is more than just a subject of study; it is a gateway to the world. A 2015 graduate of the English Language and Literature program at UIN Jakarta’s Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Fakhri has carved a prestigious career path that has taken him from local language centers to the halls of the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS).

Today, Fakhri serves as a dedicated instructor of Indonesian for Non-Native Speakers (BIPA). His journey to becoming a Teaching Assistant at Harvard was fueled by a deep-seated passion for linguistics and a bold vision to elevate Indonesia’s educational standing on the global stage.

Fortune Favors the Bold

Fakhri’s professional spark was ignited while working as a language test supervisor at UIN Jakarta’s Language Development Center (PBB). Recognizing his potential, he decided to self-fund a BIPA certification program—a move that was considered a significant financial gamble at the time.

"It was quite expensive back in 2015—about 5 million rupiah. But, I have nothing to lose," Fakhri told the media. "I took the training, and within months, I began my teaching journey."

Finally, his hardwork paid off and brought him abroad. He has since taught the Indonesian language across Cambodia, India, and Myanmar. A true polyglot, Fakhri is proficient in seven languages: Indonesian, Arabic, English, Korean, Khmer, French, and Sundanese.

The Harvard Experience

In 2026, Fakhri’s career reached a new pinnacle at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There, he leads Indonesian language classes attended by a diverse group of students, researchers, staff, and scholars from the Greater Boston area. Despite his official title as a Teaching Assistant, his expertise has earned him the responsibility of a core instructor.

Fakhri’s path to the Ivy League was made possible through the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) scholarship, a non-degree program that allows him to teach Indonesian while refining his own pedagogical skills.

Reflecting on the academic culture at Harvard, Fakhri noted the stark differences from the traditional Asian educational hierarchy.

"The relationship between professors and students here is much more informal; there’s no rigid gap like we often see in Indonesia," he explained. "Initially, I felt a bit behind because the students are incredibly competitive and critical. But thankfully, I’ve been able to thrive."

A Lesson in Commitment

Fakhri’s success was not without its hurdles. During his undergraduate years, he made the difficult choice to delay his thesis and graduation to participate in international conferences—a decision that saw him graduate a semester late. However, he views this not as a setback, but as a strategic trade-off that broadened his horizons.

Despite his international acclaim, Fakhri remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to teach BIPA for foreign corporations in Jakarta, both online and in person, ensuring that his expertise benefits his home country.

Fakhri Fauzi’s story is a testament to the power of consistency and grit. As a UIN Jakarta alumnus, he hasn't just built a career; he has opened a door for Indonesian scholars to excel at the world’s most prestigious institutions.

His journey proves the old adage: nothing ventured, nothing gained. By prioritizing an international conference over his graduation timeline, Fakhri opened doors that eventually led him to the heart of the Ivy League.

(Meisa Aqilah N.H./Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Arifin Ilham)