Provide Skills for Indonesian Unemployed Youth

A few months ago, 20 students from YUM’s Hospitality and Tourism diploma program in Central Kalimantan had the opportunity to put their classroom lessons into practice during the Subud World Congress. This international event brought together organization members from around the globe and ran for two weeks, held near the YUM Community Centre in  Central Kalimantan. With support from teachers and active students, we took this opportunity to welcome 32 guests who were staying at our guesthouse.

Our students and teachers began preparing for the congress two months in advance. They were responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of the rooms, arranging the furniture in the living room, and setting up cooking utensils in the kitchen. During the congress, the students worked in three shifts: morning, midday, and evening, running from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. A teacher was always present to supervise and support the students. The students’ responsibilities grew during the event, as they not only managed the facilities but also served the guests. They provided essential information, such as details about the various places to eat and visit in the area, guest house facilities available, and other daily needs.

It was a valuable hands-on experience for our hospitality and tourism students, allowing them to immerse themselves in a real work environment while still studying.

Now, let's hear from the teachers and students about their experiences:

“I feel proud to see our students involved at the YUM Guest House. The knowledge and motivation we provide them with have proven to be relevant in supporting their work. They completed their assignments well and also had the opportunity to interact with international guests, which boosted their confidence in speaking English. Above all, they gained real-world experience in the work environment, preparing them for the future. From my work at YUM Guest House, I’ve gained new insights into the challenges of the hospitality industry. It has motivated me to continue learning and to develop my teaching materials further.” Miss Arda, Hospitality and Tourism Tutor.

“During my internship at YUM Guest House, I was able to apply all the knowledge I gained from the training. I started with front office administration, room service, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the areas. I was also one of the few students to experience working as a co-chef in the kitchen. I learned to prepare quick dishes like omelets and ensure the food quality was maintained until it was served to guests. I also learned the importance of teamwork. This experience has made me more confident in applying for a job when I graduate from this course.” SS, Hospitality and Tourism Student.