From a commitment to contribute to empowering Indonesia's socio-economic potential and natural resources, Yayasan Menara Bhakti (YMB) feels moved to develop professional education in the fields of tourism and hospitality. This is based on the increasing need for a competent and internationally-minded workforce in this industry.
Groundbreaking Moment Institut Pariwisata Tedja Indonesia by Yayasan Menara Bhakti
Tourism is a very prospective sector in driving Indonesia's economic growth. Although the need for professionals in this field is high, the availability of competent and internationally-minded workers still needs to be developed further.
Based on this condition, YMB, which is also the organizer of Mercu Buana University — a superior accredited private university with almost 40 years of experience — is considered capable and competent to organize higher education in tourism and hospitality through the Institut Pariwisata Tedja Indonesia (IPTI). In addition, YMB also has experience in the hospitality industry as a shareholder in one of the hotels managed by Marriott International which owns Marriot Bonvoy, the world's largest hotel loyalty program.
IPTI is committed to educating and producing a workforce in the tourism and hospitality sector that is competent with international standards. IPTI collaborates with Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), a well-known hospitality school in Switzerland, in curriculum development and also in partnership with Marriott International Indonesia.
One of the concrete forms of cooperation between IPTI and Marriott International Indonesia is the significant contribution of Marriott International Indonesia in post-study empowerment. Marriott International Indonesia opens job opportunities to 65% of IPTI graduates, wherein 15% of these graduates are given the opportunity to become Management Trainees in its hotel and resort portfolio network in Indonesia. Not only that, as part of the competency development program, Marriott International Indonesia will hold 100 hours of guest lectures every year guided by experts from hotels and resorts in the country. This commitment shows the seriousness of Marriott International Indonesia in helping to develop education and training standards in the tourism and hospitality sector in Indonesia.
"We are proud to be part of and contribute to efforts to improve the quality of education in the tourism and hospitality sector in Indonesia, as well as unlock the talent potential that will push the sector to greater heights," said Ramesh Jackson, Area Vice President at Marriott International, Indonesia & Malaysia. "The 'People First' culture at Marriott International that has lasted for 96 years is the main impetus behind our strong position as a company with the title 'employer of choice'. In line with this principle, we remain committed to creating fair opportunities for workers to grow professionally and undertake meaningful work."
Chairman of Yayasan Menara Bhakti, Nurani Pujiastuti, Dipl.FM, in the celebration at the groundbreaking event on September 4 2023, said, "I feel grateful to be able to lay the first stone in the establishment of Institut Pariwisata Tedja Indonesia building in Cipayung, East Jakarta. The establishment of IPTI is not only expected to meet the need for an internationally qualified workforce but also bring the Indonesian hotel and tourism industry to sustainable international standards.”
The groundbreaking event for the construction of the IPTI campus in Cipayung, East Jakarta, was attended by various parties, including officials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, stakeholders and other guests. This event was marked by pressing the siren by the Chairman of the Yayasan Menara Bhakti, accompanied by other foundation administrators and the Chancellor of Mercu Buana University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Andi Adriansyah, M.Eng., continued with the operation of the borepile and cutting the tumpeng.
The establishment of Institut Pariwisata Tedja Indonesia by the Yayasan Menara Bhakti is a strategic step to meet the need for highly qualified and internationally minded workers in the Indonesian tourism and hospitality industry. This step also reflects YMB's commitment to improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia, especially in sectors that have great potential to drive national economic growth. With support from well-known institutions such as Marriott International Indonesia, IPTI has greater potential to compete at the international level. This initiative is expected to be a catalyst in the transformation of tourism and hospitality education in Indonesia.