Promoting Tourism through "Bule Mengajar"

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Lia Andarina Grasia

Lia Andarina Grasia, 29, studied tourism in Bali and Yogyakarta with a strong will to develop tourism in her hometown, Kulon Progo regency, Yogyakarta. She was sad when she realized her region was unknown to foreign countries. In 2014, Lia initiated a unique tourism program called Bule Mengajar (Foreigners Teaching). Now, Kulon Progo is visited by many foreign tourists.

As of the end of 2019, 346 foreigners from 38 countries have participated in the Bule Mengajar program. They attended 11 schools to teach about culture, their professions, their expertise or other interesting things in a fun way. Of course, the lessons at junior and senior high schools/vocational high schools in Kulon Progo were in English. For 2020, there are four schools on the waiting list for the foreigners to visit.

Foreign tourists who take part in the activity are required to contribute Rp 100,000 for three hours. However, this payment is returned to them in the form of handicraft souvenirs from Kulon Progo. Every tourist who takes part in the program must go through a selection process because they will enter the world of education and children.

After teaching, the tourists are invited to get involved in the life of the village community. Visiting rice fields and farming, chickens, eating with their hands, sitting cross-legged on the floor and participating in a number of traditional events are among activities on offer.

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Lia Andarina Grasia

On the other hand, through the activity Lia and her team also supported the addition of human resources in the tourist sector in Kulon Progo. They help officers and tour guides to improve their English language skills and tourism services.

This year, the number of tour guides from Kulon Progo with English skills has increased. "So far, I’ve been the only person asked by foreign tourists to guide them when they’re traveling in Kulon Progo. I think this must change by opening training," said Lia.

Bule Mengajar community, which was developed into a foundation, also teaches English to students and citizens. At Lia\'s house, as seen at the end of November 2019, a number of rooms had been transformed into meeting rooms and classrooms. On the wall were many state flags from tourists who had come and joined the program. In addition, there is a map of the world and a number of world-famous tourist icons. The location of the Bule Mengajar office in Wates not far from Wates Regional Hospital is still beautiful. In front of it lay a high-grassland and irrigation canal.

Not smooth

Lia\'s choice to serve in her hometown was not as smooth as she thought. Her intention to promote tourism by bringing tourists was not only doubted, but initially people also suspected it. In fact, his father wanted Lia to work as a state civil servant (ASN).

"I really like the village atmosphere. I don\'t want to move from Kulon Progo. Therefore, I want to use my knowledge in tourism so I can help develop Kulon Progo," Lia said.

When she was a graduate student of tourism at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, after completing a tourism bachelor in Bali, Lia was inspired to create tourism activities.

When she was a graduate student of tourism at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, after completing a tourism bachelor in Bali, Lia was inspired to create tourism activities. She heard stories from a number of her bule (white foreigners) friends who felt disturbed when they were stopped by a group of school children on Jl Malioboro to chat in English. At that time, the conversation between the two parties was short, formal and not interactive.

For this reason, Lia thought of bringing the bule to schools so that the learning activities became more enjoyable. The students are happy to meet directly with native speakers, while foreign tourists are willing to share their knowledge. This is what the Bule Mengajar tag line is, "Share Your Knowledge".

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Lia Andarina Grasia

To initiate Bule Mengajar program, Lia initially persuaded her foreign friends who were in Yogyakarta to visit her hometown.

Most of the Caucasian tourists were confused and doubtful about Lia\'s invitation. When they were explained that they would be present in class and speak English with students, the foreign tourists were interested. Moreover, other natural activities of the villagers in rice farming, chicken farms and other cultural activities are also introduced to the participating foreigners.

Over time, a number of travel agents also included the Bule Mengajar program in their itinerary so that more foreign tourists joined. Some of them lived temporarily in Yogyakarta.

In addition, the presence of the foreigners was also feared to have a negative influence.

Lia\'s optimism to introduce Kulon Progo tourism potentials to the world was disrupted in May 2015. The teaching activities of the foreigners at schools were suspected of violating the prevailing laws. In fact, the immigration and police personnel also monitored the community activities. They were suspected of employing illegal foreign workers at schools by paying fees. In addition, the presence of the foreigners was also feared to have a negative influence.

"I was stressed, confused, scared -- and I cried. I felt alone, I didn\'t know what to do. I knew nothing about this [legal stuff]. I was worried that I would drop out of college if I have to deal with the police," she said.

After one month without certainty, Lia came to the immigration office in Yogyakarta. From thre, she received a lot of input so that her activities could continue. Lia also completed various documents so that Bule Mengajar did not violate the rules. Now, the Kulon Progo regency administration cooperates with the community to work together to improve the tourism program in the area.

"For me it\'s simple. If the Kulon Progo people have the confidence to meet the Caucasians who come here, it means that my program has been successful. I want the children and the people of Kulon Progo to get used to interacting with the bule,” Lia sai

Lia Andarina Grasia

Born: Kulon Progo, 28 July 1990

Education

:

1. Bachelor degree in Hospitality Business from Tourism College in Nusa Dua, Bali (2013)

2. Master degree of Tourism Studies from Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta (2017)

Award:

1. National Winner of Pioneer Youth in Education from the Youth and Sports Ministry (2015)

2. Awardee Australia Awards Indonesia (2019)

3. Outstanding Students for the World, India (2017)

4. Recipient of Astra Satu Indonesia Awards at Provincial Level (2017)

5. Indonesian Delegate for International Cultural Study Camp in Yogyakarta (2014)

Experience:

1. English Translator for IDP Edu Fair in Yogyakarta

2. English Tutor for Kulon Progo Tourism Office

3. English Tutor for Kulon Progo Manpower and Transmigration Office

4. Founder of Bule Mengajar

5. Chairwoman of Youth Entrepreneurship Forum in Yogyakarta

6. Chairwoman of Youth Pioneer in Kulon Progo