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.