Culture, fun mix on youth ship

Culture, fun mix on youth ship

Leony Aurora , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A free 44-day trip on a 110-meter cruise ship -- complete with a
pool, a spa, a hairdresser, plush cabins and pocket money -- to
six Asian countries is, by any account, extraordinary.

But onboard the Nippon Maru vessel, 316 youths from Japan and
10 Southeast Asian countries get something even more unique: a
chance to see beyond the places' scenic beauty or powerful
technology into the minds of people their own age.

"The youth are more ready for change (than their older
generation). Once an idea is instilled in them, it can prevail
longer," said Fasli Jalal, director of extracurricular education
and youth at the Ministry of National Education, after receiving
the 31st batch of the annual Ship for Southeast Asian Youth
Program (SSEAYP) on Monday.

"We hope the participants will foster friendship, teamwork,
and maintain progress, peace and prosperity," he added.

Twenty-eight Indonesians, aged between 18 and 30 years old
from 25 provinces, are taking part in this year's program, which
was initiated in 1974 and sponsored by Japan to seek better
relations with Southeast Asian countries.

In the ship's conference room, participants engage in
discussions, cultural exchange and short courses on other
cultures. While on land, they make courtesy calls and give
performances.

The young people started their once-in-a-lifetime experience
on Aug. 1 in Yokohama, Japan. The ship then took them to the
Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand before anchoring at Tanjung
Priok Port on Sunday.

The participants will spend two nights with some 160 foster
parents who have volunteered to take them in to get a taste of
the Indonesian way of life.

"I wish to see Lake Toba (in North Sumatra) and Bali. I think
they have a beautiful culture," said Nor Afidah, a 24-year-old
reporter from Labuan in Sabah, Malaysia.

However, time may prove to be too short as the ship will stay
in Jakarta for only four days before continuing on the last leg
of the journey to Singapore on Wednesday.

Afidah said during the voyage she has developed more
confidence to communicate and share her thoughts. "I've also
improved my English."

English is a major requirement for participants, who went
through an intensive selection process in April conducted by
education agencies in their respective provinces.

Firmansyah Nasruddin, 22, from South Sulawesi, joined the
program to broaden his knowledge. He managed to beat some 50
youngsters to secure his place on board.

"I really wanted to see Japan and its unique buildings," said
the student of Hasanuddin University's School of Architecture.

Firman feels so much at ease on board the ship, that he has
started to miss the cabin which he shares with two other
participants. "It's like a second home to me."

After spending more than a month together, friendship has
bloomed, even way before the program officially closes on Oct. 14
in Singapore.

"I will definitely keep in touch, especially with my cabin
mates," said Afidah with a big smile.