Outward Bound RI to be reviewed

JAKARTA (JP): A representative of Outward Bound, a development program for managers, said reviews would be made available to the Indonesian chapter every two years.

Ian Wade recommended further improvements in safety measures, including different equipment for tying ropes to avoid damage to trees and more efficient climbs.

He said Outward Bound Indonesia is already fully licensed and its experiences and techniques could be shared with Outward Bound schools from other countries.

He applauded Outward Bound Indonesia, established seven years ago, for its program's safety record.

He said Outward Bound aims to help others realize their full potential and strengthen confidence at work and in their personal lives through outdoor programs such as rafting, rock and mountain climbing.

Wade, a 20-year-old veteran in safety reviews for South America, the United Kingdom, North America and more recently for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, climbed Mount Everest in 1990 with a team of climbers from China, Russia and the United States.

Founder and chairman of Outward Bound Indonesia Djoko Kusumowidagdo said the school maintains a total staff of 30 and 11 instructors and has taught 6,000 to 7,000 executives from state-owned and private companies since its inception.

"We aim to develop people's communication and cooperation capabilities with others, not judge them," Djoko said.

He said participants are divided into six or seven groups of 12 people who follow either three-day, five-day or seven-day programs but the five-day program, at an estimated cost of Rp 2 million (US$803.53), is the most popular.

He said participants become more productive and helpful after attending the program.

He said state-owned companies such as Telkom, national air carrier Garuda, Pertamina oil company, Bank Indonesia and Bank Rakyat Indonesia have participated in the program while private companies like Bank Central Asia have also sent their newly hired staff. (01)