Just like many residents ofJakarta, Yasmine Kurnia used to think that the capital is just a regular city with never-ending problems, from flooding to severe congestion. But after spending almost a year being Jakartas tourism ambassador, she started to see that Jakarta has many things to offer and shes on a mission to convey that message to the world.
Could you tell us about your current daily activities?
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Currently, Im working at a multinational manufacturing company and Im also engaged in activities related Abang None Jakarta (Mister and Miss Jakarta).
I won the title of None Jakarta in 2016, and since then I have been on several duties, from being the citys cultural and tourism ambassador, escorting the Jakarta Governor in official events and taking part in the Tourism Agencys events.
Abang None activities usually take one or two days of my week as I often travel from one city to another when on duty. Im also scheduled to go to Berlin this Juni to promote Indonesian culture and tourism in an event called Internationale Tourismus Borse-Berlin.
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What kind of promotional activities are you doing to boost Jakartas tourism?
There are various kinds of activities, one of them is escorting guests from overseas in the City Hall. The government has many guests from other countries and when they are hosted by the Governors office, Abang and None Jakartas duty is to assist them.
When were on duty, be it in the City Hall or at public events, were also required to interact and inform people about Jakarta. For example, about the City Hall and tourism destinations in Jakarta. We also have to assist people should they want to make itineraries for their visit to Jakarta.
We also promote the city through social media.
So, how does one become the tourism ambassador for Jakarta?
First of all, there are regional selections to choose 15 pairs of ambassadors of each administrative city. So, Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, and other cities have 15 pairs of Abang None each. Then, the top three winners from each city compete in a provincial-level competition to be Abang None Jakarta.
Theres a 1.5 month training period where were given a variety of lessons, from government issues, history, Jakartas branding and marketing, public relations, local culture to beauty and fashion. Then, the winners are chosen during a grand final show.
What did you decide to join the competition?
I used to live in Bandung for my study and when I came back to Jakarta, Im shocked at the difference between the two cities. Everywhere I go in Jakarta, Im stuck in heavy traffic. Everywhere I look, I see many things that should be and could be improved. I didnt really like the idea of living in this city.
Things started to change after I met a friend of mine who competed in Abang None in Thousand Islands District. I told her that I didnt want to live in Jakarta and she gave me reasons me why I should stay. She shared her experience as a tourism and cultural ambassador, showed me her photos while exploring the beauty of the Thousand Island; amazing places I didnt believe belong to Jakarta. She convinced me to compete and get a once-in-a-lifetime experience to gain new skills, experiences, as well as to contribute to Jakarta.
In your opinion, why did they choose you to be a None Jakarta?
Well, thats quite difficult to answer (laughing). Honestly, I dont know! I came with nothing. I mean I had near zero knowledge about Jakarta, the government, not to mention Betawi culture. But they taught me along the way and I just did what I can. All I know was I want to seize the opportunity and I didnt want it to slip out of my hands. I didnt think Ill come this far. When I was selected as Thousand Islands None, I was so happy.
But the competition was, though; I was like, I had nothing to lose anyway. So it was okay if I didnt make it. It was really unbelievable when they ended up choosing me. I mean, I think the judge didnt just see that youre smart, have a bunch of ideas, or beautiful. They also wanted to see if youre curious and eager to learn new things.
What are the perks of being a None Jakarta?
Being a None Jakarta opens up many opportunities for me. It also allows me to meet many people from different backgrounds, from many countries. I was a common citizen, but all of a sudden Im in the spotlight. People called me, offered jobs, asked for interviews, but more importantly, being a None Jakarta gives me an opportunity to do something for this city.
Any advice for those who are currently competing?
Im no expert, but as a contestant, you have to show your true self. Dont fake it. Dont polish things to make them look great while theyre not. Also, come up with simple yet useful ideas. Abang and None are always asked to work on ideas, so dont pose great yet unworkable ideas. Your ideas should be simple, provide a plausible solution to current problems, practical, measurable, and make sense. Another important thing is to be open. Do not stop to learn new things and ask if you really dont know, instead of pretending to know everything.