As a concrete manifestation of its commitment to supporting the improvement of the quality of Human Resources (HR) in the tourism sector, Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo officially participated in the implementation of the Skills Competency Test (UKK) for 12th-grade students in the Culinary Expertise Program at SMK Negeri 1 Labuan Bajo.
The event, which took place on Monday, March 9, 2026, featured professional experts from Meruorah as external examiners to ensure graduate competency standards align with the needs of the five-star hotel industry.
Meruorah’s Commitment to Education in West Manggarai
This involvement is part of Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo’s ongoing program to build a strong education ecosystem in West Manggarai Regency. Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo emphasized the hotel’s commitment to supporting the development of local talent.
“Meruorah is fully committed to supporting the education of schoolchildren in West Manggarai. We believe that the best investment for the future of Labuan Bajo tourism is through quality education. We don’t want to be mere spectators, but rather actively serve as a bridge to ensure students are job-ready and meet global standards upon graduation. This is our long-term commitment to the land of West Manggarai,” emphasized Rudy H. Butar Butar, General Manager of the Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo hotel.
Industry Standards in the Exam Room
The Meruorah delegation was led by Mr. Gede Adi Yulyawan, currently the Executive Assistant Manager of Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo. He is not just a management practitioner, but an expert in his field, with a background as a former Executive Chef and a certified HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) Audit Assessor.
In a briefing session with the Principal and the examining team, Mr. Adi emphasized the importance of mental preparedness and communication skills for the students.
“We are very grateful for the school’s trust in involving industry in this evaluation process. To face the realities of the competitive industrial world, mastering cooking techniques alone is not enough. Students must be equipped with foreign language skills, at least English, to be able to compete internationally, especially in super-priority destinations like Labuan Bajo,” said Gede Adi Yulyawan, Executive Assistant Manager of Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo.
At precisely 8:30 a.m. WITA, the practical kitchen at SMK Negeri 1 Labuan Bajo transformed into a professional kitchen simulation. Participants were challenged to serve a full-course meal consisting of: sandwich, salad, soup, and main course.
Throughout the exam, high standards of discipline were enforced. Participants were required to adhere to strict rules, similar to those found in a hotel: punctuality, maintaining work area sanitation, prohibiting unauthorized entry and exit, and complete focus on the chef’s instructions.
The tension reached its peak during the soup and main course preparation sessions. Mr. Adi noted a memorable moment during the assessment.
“Something unique happened; one of the participants took the risk of cooking Beef Bourguignon. This classic French dish requires an overnight cooking process to achieve the perfect texture, but the student managed to present it well, although certainly not perfectly due to time constraints. The courage and technique demonstrated are truly commendable,” added Adi.
Through this collaboration, it is hoped that graduates of SMK Negeri 1 Labuan Bajo will have high self-confidence and industry-recognized competencies, enabling them to directly contribute to advancing Indonesian tourism.
About Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo
An excellent place to start your journey in Labuan Bajo is Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo. Our five-star hotel is well situated in the heart of the city, blending in perfectly with the lively Plaza Marina. Numerous eateries, shopping centers, pharmacies, and banking establishments may be found here.
Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo has 145 sophisticated rooms and suites that are all beautifully built, with opulent decor that draws inspiration from local artists and breathtaking views that await the moment you arrive.
Our hotel offers the ideal blend of business, entertainment, and leisure, making it the best choice for corporate meetings, incentives, or business events. For all of your conference requirements, we offer the majestic Meruorah Convention Center, an executive lounge, a marina room, and a marina breakout room.
Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo provides easy access to the city’s gastronomic restaurants, the bustling waterfront for island-hopping journeys, and, of course, the legendary Komodo dragons. Komodo Airport (LBJ) is around ten minutes away by car. The hotel is a peaceful haven where you may rest and take in breathtaking views, regardless of your travel itinerary. Please visit www.meruorahlabuanbajo.com for reservations and other information.
For more information on Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo’s exclusive offers and for reservation, please visit www.meruorahlabuanbajo.com or contact WA +62 813-3848-5939.
