Kayla Aurelie Balqis, an Accounting Study Program student at Universitas Indonesia (UI), recently won the title of Wakil II Mpok Depok (Deputy II Mpok Depok) in the Duta Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Parekraf) Abang Mpok Depok 2024 (Tourism and Creative Economy Ambassador Abang Mpok Depok 2024) event. This competition was initiated by the Depok City Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism Agency (DISPORYATA), with the aim of selecting young people who not only have attractive physical appearances, but also have broad insights in the fields of tourism and local culture.
Kayla said that her participation in this competition provided insight into the importance of environmental conservation, literacy, and involvement in building a better city. Her love for dance was the main driving force behind her participation in this event. She believes that dance can serve as a means to tell and introduce Depok’s cultural heritage to a wider audience.
As Deputy II Mpok Depok, Kayla has a vision to preserve culture and develop tourism in the area. One of her main programs is collaborating with dance studios and the community to promote the Cisalak Mask Dance, which is an iconic traditional art of the Cimanggis District. Through this initiative, Kayla hopes to introduce the richness of Depok dance art, while increasing the community’s sense of pride in local culture.
The challenges in participating in this competition are also quite large. Nervousness when performing in front of the judges and audience is one of the obstacles that Kayla must face. However, support from family, friends, and the campus, especially the UI Vocational Education Program, helped Kayla overcome the pressure. She also emphasized the importance of good time management in order to continue to fulfill her academic responsibilities.
In the future, Kayla plans to hold a traditional dance performance involving the local community. With this program, she wants to create a space for the community to enjoy dance and participate in cultural preservation. In addition, Kayla also wants to use social media as a promotional platform to increase public awareness of Depok’s tourism and cultural potential.
UI is known as one of the campuses that upholds the values of tolerance and inclusion in Indonesia. UI regularly holds various cultural events, seminars, and discussions that bring together students from various backgrounds to exchange ideas and perspectives. Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D., appreciated Kayla’s achievements and the role she played in introducing the culture of Depok City. He hopes that Kayla can have a positive impact and increase awareness of the younger generation about the importance of preserving diverse cultures in Indonesia. Kayla’s commitment to continue contributing to the promotion of tourism and culture shows that a superior campus like UI supports students in developing their potential in various fields, including tourism and art.
