Ahead of the implementation of the ASEAN Community 2015, the Indonesian nation does not want to just be a spectator, and so do reflexology massage therapists. In order to be ready to compete at the ASEAN level, the Indonesian Reflexology Massage Competency Certification Institute (LSK) (PRI) held a competency test at the Ringin Asri Restaurant, Tuesday (16/12).
Secretary of LSK PRI, Hendro GS, SE said that this competency test was attended by reflexology massage therapists from various regions in East Java. With this activity, it is hoped that reflexology massage therapists can be more qualified and their profession is recognized with certification.
"This is the first time that reflexology massage has held a competency test, this is a form of effort so that massage therapists have standardized certification provisions so that they can compete with therapists from abroad," explained Hendro GS, Tuesday (16/12).
According to him, the certification is very important because in other countries, massage therapists already have standardized competencies and in Indonesia it is far behind. The implementation of this competency test is one of the programs implemented with some funds supported by the Directorate General of Early Childhood Education, Non-Formal and Informal, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.
"We are very happy that this competency test can be implemented, actually this is our wish for a long time but it can only be implemented now," explained Hendro.
Hendro added, this activity will be carried out as a marathon in Indonesia with a total of 200 participants. While for East Java which was held in Malang City, it was attended by 37 reflexologists from the general public, both self-taught and from courses. The materials tested were pre-test and practice materials. The examiners were reflexology practitioners spread across Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Healthy Harmoni Indonesia Course and Training Institute (LKP), Drs. Hariadi enthusiastically welcomed this competency test. According to him, this will be an important asset for reflexology massage therapists in facing the 2015 ASEAN Community.
"The trend of reflexology massage is currently growing because its benefits are greatly felt by the community. We really welcome this program from the Ministry of Education and Culture because reflexology massage, which is included in non-formal education, is now increasingly recognized," said Hariadi.
In addition to being able to host in their own country during the 2015 ASEAN Community, he hopes that with the provision of competency certificates, the massage therapists will also be recognized abroad because the standards developed are based on KKNI (Indonesian National Qualification Framework, ed.) and international standards. (cah/yon)
