Faculty of Economics and Business community service team successfully held public speaking and tour guide training in Kalongan Village (July 23-24). This community service program was based on the need for language proficiency to support rice field market tourism. With the goal of providing excellent service and allowing visitors to return to enjoy the rice field market, the Loka Jaya Tourism Group (Pokdarwis Loka Jaya) adapted its language and tour guide skills. The community service program successfully secured funding for the second year from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology’s DP2M (Regional Development Planning Agency) under the 2025 Village Empowerment Program. The community service team, led by Amir Mahmud, included members Wara Diyah Pita Rengga, Widya Hari Cahyati, Lilis Hartati, Nurdian Susilowati, and six students. They successfully introduced Indonesian, Javanese, and English language skills to the community, particularly the Pokdarwis.
In this training, the Pokdarwis practiced simple communication skills in Indonesian, Javanese, and English. After learning the languages, they then learned how to serve customers using the principles of excellent service. As tour guides, they demonstrated a friendly demeanor, a smile, correct directions, and politeness. This creates a positive impression, creates satisfaction, and ultimately encourages visitors to return to enjoy the rice field market in subsequent sessions. The Tourism Group (Pokdarwis) practiced public speaking and guided tours, alternating between cooperative learning methods. This means each group worked together to demonstrate their best communication skills. They then implemented these skills in real-life settings, along with students, at the second rice field market in July. Community service activities support the Sustainable Development Goals, such as no poverty (1), quality education (4), and decent work and economic growth (8).
Amir Mahmud explained that mastery of Indonesian, Javanese, and English is a key skill for communicating with visitors. “Javanese, which is almost unknown to Generation Z, needs to be developed to maintain this native language as a Javanese identity. This is especially true for Gen Z children. Likewise, English is essential for communicating with foreign tourists,” he explained.
Attending the event were Kalongan Village officials, Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) administrators, the Tourism Group (Pokdarwis), and the Youth Organization (Karangtaruna).
The Head of the Loka Jaya Pokdarwis, Muhtar Efendi, expressed his appreciation for this activity and conveyed a message to the community to be willing to learn so that they can gain added value that can change their lives for the better.
