Depok-Tourism has an important role as a source of foreign exchange earnings. The number of workers in the tourism sector continues to be encouraged, with the number of creative economy workers as said by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) Sandiaga Uno on one occasion, will grow by more than 600 to 700 thousand in leading sectors (2021), such as culinary, craft, and fashion.
With a background as a student of the Media Production Study Program, Vocational Education Program of Universitas Indonesia (UI) and an understanding of the media, Haickal Caesar Saintya raised the issue of developing tourism and the creative economy when he entered the ranks of Abang Mpok Depok 2022 finalists. According to him, every Abang Mpok Depok 2022 finalist must have one advocacy plan, so he focuses on increasing understanding of digital and media literacy.
(Photo: Haickal Caesar Sanitya, student of Media Production Study Program)
The selection process for Abang Mpok Depok 2022 starts from the file collection stage to the audition. Everything went smoothly, until he was selected to the semifinal stage with an in-depth interview session by the main judges. The interviews covered 6 main topics, namely government and organizations, tourism and culture, general knowledge and creativity, public speaking and personal branding, psychology, and foreign language skills.
The series of activities for Abang Mpok Depok 2022 lasted for four weeks, especially for the 30 selected finalists. The debriefing is carried out every day for one month in the Baleka Building, Depok City Hall Area. There are several series of activities that they carry out, including photoshoots, talent shows, and fashion shows.
During the talent show activity, Haickal appeared to read a poem entitled “A Tribute to Sapardi Djoko Damono” which is a combination of the poems “In Myself” and “On One Day Later” by Sapardi Djoko Damono. Haickal Caesar’s efforts brought him to the top position as Abang Kreatif in the event, eliminating 29 other finalists. The Grand Final Night of Abang Mpok Depok 2022 which was held by the Depok Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism Service (Disporyata) was held at the JGU Sukmajaya Auditorium in October 2022.
(Photo: Haickal during a visit to Metro TV)
The Mayor of Depok, Mohammad Idris, who was present with his wife to witness the Grand Final, hopes that Abang Mpok Depok will later become an ambassador to help introduce the Depok City and promote tourism in the Depok City. “And this needs promotion, now these are the young people we chose today through Abang Mpok Depok, one pair of representatives 1, one pair of representatives 2, creative ambassadors, friendship ambassadors and favorite ambassadors,” he said.
“As the Abang Kreatif of Depok City 2022, I hope to use this title well and contribute to helping the government to create a social life in Depok City that is in accordance with the vision of Depok City, which is advanced, cultured and prosperous. Through creative content on social media and collaboration with the local community and tourism awareness groups in Depok City, I want to show that Depok City has attractive tourism and creative economy potential and is no less competitive than other regions,” said Haickal.
(Photo: Haickal won the Abang Kreatif title at the 2022 Abang Mpok Depok event)
According to Haickal, the title he has won is not only a source of pride for him, but also for UI Vocational. He hopes that this will inspire his friends to dare to take chances and contribute more to their surroundings.
The Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, expressed his pride at Haickal’s achievements. According to him, the title of Abang Kreatif that was awarded to Haickal was an honor to introduce the Depok City to the wider community.
“Haickal, who has a background as a student in the field of creative media, can certainly use his knowledge to advance tourism and the creative economy in Depok City. Especially considering that currently the use of creative media is quite widespread for digital branding. So, I support the positive activities that will be carried out by Haickal with other Abang Mpok Depok,” said Padang.
