UNAIR NEWS – The extreme temperature in South Korea reached -10º Celsius but it not stop the resolve of Universitas Airlangga students, Nisrinah Arofahtus S. (Faculty of Economics and Business 2014), Samara Rahma Dania (Faculty of Public Health 2015), and Eka Dewi Pratiwi (Faculty of Pharmacy 2016), to gain knowledge. All three attended a tourism conference hosted by TOSOK (The Tourism Science Society of Korea) at Songdo Convensia, Incheon, South Korea, on February 12-13.
TOSOK activity which has lasted for 83 years is a pretty prestigious conference event in South Korea.
Being a speaker in the international arena certainly leaves its own impression. It takes more courage to present ideas in the event which is attended mostly by graduate students, S3, professors, until researchers who have interests and knowledge related to tourism. The students enthusiastically show their best as the only delegation from Indonesia.
The paper they presented was entitled Tour of Trowulan History (TROLLS): Historical Education Tour as a Solution to Increase Regional Potential of Trowulan. The three did not expect the paper they sent had a chance to be presented in South Korea. As their discipline is very much different from the theme of the conference.
“At first we just tried, because actually prior to this, we had a project under the guidance of Dr. Sri Endah Nurhidayati, UNAIR tourism lecturer. Then I searched the internet, and noticed this event. I offered my friends what if this paper is submitted? Alhamdulillah they agreed, “said Samara.
” Masya Allah, we are very grateful. We got some acquaintance with some researchers . They are Ai Tashiro, MSc. from University of Tokyo, Prof. Jungki Michael Min from Halla University, and Sung-Hun, Choi, Ph.D from the University of Ulsan, “explained Samara.
Nisrinah, the other members from Mojokerto said, the potential of Trowulan area was so great that it will be unfortunately if it is not optimized.
“If this idea can be implemented, it can provide a good multiplier effect for the tourism and economic development of Mojokerto people, especially Trowulan,” said Nisrinah.
There was a big round of applause from the committee and participants after they presented the paper. It was an impressive moment. In fact, one researcher told them, “Good presentation!”.
Meanwhile, Eka Dewi said, from the conference they got various experiences, inputs, and knowledge and ideas from other participants. The committee gave them the opportunity to gain knowledge as much as possible.
In fact, she continued, a committee named Dr. Sangmi Jeon expressed her gratitude and she greatly appreciated their presence and courage.
“He said that we are the only Muslims, so it was very easy to notice us. They were very concerned about our needs, ranging from halal food, prayer time, and hospitality, “explained Eka Dewi.
After this conference, the three hoped to be able to contribute even better. Not just to gain reputation for UNAIR but also Indonesia. This activity also became a motivation that the difference of interest does not prevent a person to work and develop ideas together. (*)
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
