Creating a Safe and Inclusive for Tourism Learning Environment
Author: Adrianus Ubas, Programme Officer, Field Office Sumba
Editor: Firra Kholisha Mustika, Senior Communication Officer
Sumba is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. From the tranquil Wee Kuri Lake and the lush green hills of Wairinding, to the culturally rich traditional villages of Ratenggaro and Prai Ijing, and the vibrant green rice fields in Waekelo—this island stands out as one of Indonesia’s outstanding tourist destinations. However, this abundant tourism potential is not solely reliant on its natural and cultural attractions. A key element in developing a sustainable tourism sector lies in the empowerment of human resources, particularly the young generation of Sumba.
To nurture a generation of tourism professionals who are accomplished, empathetic, and professional, it is essential to create a safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environment. An educational atmosphere that is free from bullying, violence, and harassment, forms the foundation of a healthy learning climate. When students feel respected and protected, they grow into confident individuals who are open to diversity and ultimately capable of delivering high-quality tourism services and products.
To support a tourism learning environment that is free from bullying, violence, and harassment against students, DESMA Center held an Anti-Bullying Campaign on April 25, 2025, at the Auditorium of SMKN 1 Waikabubak, Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. The event was attended by 102 students from SMKN 1 Waikabubak, SMKN 2 Lamboya, Karanu Private High School, Sint Pieter Catholic High School, SMAN 1 Waikabubak, Waikabubak Christian High School, SMKN 2 Loli, and Weekarou Private High School.
"When students feel safe and protected, they are able to contribute more effectively to society, including in advancing the tourism sector," said Mr. Boyke Hutapea, Program Manager of the Sumba Field Office, DESMA Center.
Mrs. Adriana M.D. Ngongo, S.Pd., Coordinator of Supervisors (Korwas) for Senior High Schools, Vocational Schools, and Special Needs Schools in West Sumba, under the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Office of Education and Culture, emphasized the importance of schools providing a safe space for students to speak up if they experience physical or sexual violence, whether at home or at school. Mrs. Pupu Purwaningsih, Local Coordinator for Misereor and Kindermissionswerk (KMW) in Indonesia, highlighted the four pillars of youth rights: the right to life, the right of development, the right of participation, and the right of protection.
The campaign also included an interactive discussion that encouraged participants to formulate concrete steps to prevent bullying, violence, and harassment, both as individuals and institutions. Through presentations, interactive discussions, and reflective activities, participants gained a deep understanding of how to identify bullying, violence, and harassment, carry out prevention efforts, recognize the potential impacts, and map out community-based solutions.
This activity reflects DESMA Center’s commitment to strengthening tourism human resources who possess mutual tolerance, excellence, and competitiveness to realize better tourism development.
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The Safe Learning Program is part of the Program TVET for Sustainable Tourism Development in Sumba, supported by MISEREOR/KZE and Kindermissionswerk (KMW); and implemented by DESMA Center. This child- and youth-friendly school program aims to prevent bullying, violence, and harassment within the school environment, enabling young people to appreciate differences among one another and to create better tourism.
This program includes strengthening (1) the capacity of school management regarding the importance of protecting adolescents in schools, in line with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 46 of 2023 on the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Educational Institutions (PPKSP); (2) the active functioning of the School Violence Prevention and Handling Team (TPPK); and (3) partnerships between tourism vocational schools, government, nonprofit organizations, communities, and stakeholders.
The direct beneficiaries of this program are (1) SMK Pancasila – Tambolaka, Southwest Sumba; (2) SMK Negeri 2 Kota Tambolaka, Southwest Sumba; (3) SMK Bakti Luhur – Tambolaka, Southwest Sumba; (4) SMK Efata – Omba Rade, Southwest Sumba; and (5) SMK Negeri 1 Waikabubak, West Sumba. The program’s direct partners include (1) the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Education and Culture Office; (2) the Government of Southwest Sumba Regency; (3) the Government of West Sumba Regency; (4) the Tourism Office of Southwest Sumba Regency; and (5) the Tourism Office of West Sumba Regency.
