Outward bound adventures help sharpen skills in the wild

Murdani Usman, The Jakarta Post, Ubud, Bali

Getting up close and personal with nature now has a new definition with the opening of Outward Bound Bali, which promises challenging programs never experienced before.

In Indonesia, Outward Bound Indonesia's base camp was first established at Jatiluhur, Purwakarta, West Java, in 1991, but the organization has carried out mobile training in several areas in West, Central and East Java.

"We want to introduce our programs to both local and international visitors to Bali," said Djoko Kusumowidagdo, executive director of Outward Bound Indonesia during the organization's soft launch at Buahan village, Payangan, north of Ubud, last week.

Outward Bound International was founded in the UK by Dr. Kurt Hahn, an educator, who believed everybody had the potential to achieve things that most were not aware of.

The courses originally lasted 28 days and were designed for young merchant seamen to help them gain confidence and develop the teamworking skills necessary to carry out their duties on treacherous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean.

The term "outward bound" was used to bring to mind the time that a ship left the safety of harbor for the challenge of the open sea.

"Hence, when you leave the comfort and familiar environment of your home and workplace to venture into unfamiliar ground, you are deemed to be 'Outward Bound'," Djoko added.

Outward Bound, he said, was not just the time you spent at the training center, rather it was a condition whereby people left a familiar environment to venture into new areas, ideas, attitudes and resolutions.

"Outward Bound Indonesia is not a physical training program, although our activities are held mostly outdoors. Our physical activities are only used as instruments for effective learning," he said.

Outward Bound Bali, which is located on the slopes of the Ayung riverbank in Buahan village, offers programs like High Rope Challenge, Spirit Booster and Quality-Time Family Adventure. Buahan village has the features needed to provide activities standard to Outward Bound.

Most outward bound centers around the world, including in Indonesia, are located in remote areas that are still untouched by urbanization.

"We want to bring participants closer to nature, something that is rare in our fast-paced modern society.

"Entering new areas and exploring new boundaries will serve as a way to change people's mind-set and sharpen their learning abilities.

"All of our programs are aimed at improving one's self- concept, enhancing better understanding and sharpening one's skills to face an ever-changing environment," Djoko said.