Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – One of Malang City's efforts to boost and introduce tourism to the national and even international arena is through the Kakang Mbakyu tourism ambassador. In 2020, this event could not be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, when the pandemic began to subside, the Kakang Mbakyu election could be held and still implement strict health protocols.
Registration, selection and quarantine for the election of Malang City tourism ambassadors Kakang Mbakyu which has been held since last September, ended on Monday (8/11/2021) night. In the grand final round held at the Grand Mercure Hotel Malang City, two students from Brawijaya University Malang, Elang Orvala Tony Putra, and Bella Berlinda Putri Widodo were selected as Kakang and Mbakyu Malang City 2021.
Kakang Mbakyu along with nine other pairs of Kakang Mbakyu finalists for the next year have a difficult task. Because they have to introduce tourism in this city and increase the number of tourist visits significantly.
Malang Mayor Drs. H. Sutiaji positively appreciated this event and hoped that these tourism ambassadors could introduce Malang City tourism more optimally to the international level. On the other hand, the bespectacled man advised that young people should be given more reinforcement regarding education and literacy which is also a duty as a child of the nation.
"In this digital era, young people must be the driving force in its utilization and not make the advancement of information technology a bogeyman, but without ignoring their identity as children of the nation. Because basically the advancement of information technology depends on who and for what purpose it is utilized," he added.
Mayor Sutiaji also advised the ranks of the Malang City Disporapar as the organizers of this event and also the judges, to continue to explore the potential and abilities of these tourism ambassadors, as well as their nationalism as children of the nation. "The tourism potential of Malang City is very high and is a part that strengthens Indonesia.
"Like the heritage city label, which must be understood more broadly, namely not only seeing the existence of various historical buildings, but as a historical city that respects the services and works of the nation's children," he stressed.
In line with Mayor Sutiaji, Head of the Youth, Sports and Tourism Agency (Disporapar) of Malang City Dr. Ida Ayu Made Wahyuni, SH., M.Si said, from this event it is hoped that a generation of the nation will be born who can introduce the city's tourism on the national and even international stage. According to her, Malang City is a non-nature-based tourist city, but more on event tourism, history, education, trade, services and heritage.
Therefore, Ida said, these tourism ambassadors must understand and promote the various tourism potentials that this city has. Such as the existence of thematic villages, many historical buildings, Malangan mask art, batik, food and a range of typical Malang City.
"In addition, it is also expected to spur the future generation of this nation who have character, love and have great concern for history, art and culture," he continued. (say/ram)
