Labuan Bajo – elBajo Commodus Polytechnic (PLC) held its 4th Commencement Ceremony on September 30 and October 1, 2024, at The Jayakarta Suites Komodo, officially conferring degrees on 147 students from the Associate Degree and Applied Bachelor’s Degree programs at elBajo Commodus Polytechnic (PLC). The graduates included 68 students from the Applied Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management program, 4 from the Applied Bachelor’s in International Marketing Management program, 19 from the Applied Bachelor’s in Tax Accounting program, 18 from the Associate Degree in Hospitality program, 14 from the Associate Degree in Information Technology program, and 24 from the Associate Degree in Ecotourism program.
In this fourth graduation ceremony, 12 students from each program received the distinction of graduating with honors: Fransiska Heldiana Juita, S.Tr.Ak, from the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Tax Accounting with a GPA of 3.95; Najwa Astigah, S.Tr.Ak, from the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Tax Accounting with a GPA of 3.93; Klaudia Novita Hibur, S.Tr.Par, from the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Hospitality Management with a GPA of 3.84; Maria Katarina Mi, S.Tr.Par, from the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Hospitality Management with a GPA of 3.76; Florentinus Darman, S.Tr.M., Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program in International Marketing Management with a GPA of 3.71; Alfonsius Nove Edmin, S.Tr.M., Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program in International Marketing Management with a GPA of 3.63; Anastasia Mei Yana Siddiky, A.Md.Par, from the Diploma III in Hospitality program with a GPA of 3.87; Flavianus Candra Ahang, A.Md.Par, from the Diploma III in Hospitality program with a GPA of 3.81; Yudita Estiara, A.Md.Par, from the Diploma III in Ecotourism program with a GPA of 3.89; Yovita Roukawali Bunga, A.Md.Par, from the Diploma III in Ecotourism program with a GPA of 3.66; Getrudis Yolenta Kontesa, A.Md.Kom, from the Diploma III in Information Technology program with a GPA of 3.87; Yohanes Rio Vartin Putrapratam, A.Md.Kom, from the Diploma III in Information Technology program with a GPA of 3.81.
Today’s graduation ceremony was attended by Ms. Noviana Halim, S.M., Chairperson of the Bangkit Anak NegeriKu Foundation; Prof. Dr. I Nengah Dasi Astwa, M.Si., Director of elBajo Commodus Polytechnic; Prof. Dr. Adrianus Amheka, S.T., M.Eng., Head of LLDIKTI XV; and Mr. Drs. Fransiskus Sales Sodo, representing the Acting Regent. Regent of West Manggarai, Mr. Stefanus Jemsifori, S.T.P., as Head of the West Manggarai Department of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, industry representatives, other stakeholders, and the parents/guardians of the graduates.
This 4th graduation ceremony brings the total number of PLC graduates to 222, who are now dedicated to serving the nation, the country, and the world. In line with its vision of “Becoming a vocational educational institution that is excellent, competitive, creative, innovative, and adaptable to developments in science, technology, and industry,” PLC guarantees that its graduates will succeed in finding employment in industries both in and outside of Labuan Bajo or in becoming entrepreneurs. This is evidenced by the fact that 56 of the graduates from this 4th commencement ceremony are already employed, and 2 started their own businesses upon graduation.
In his educational report, Prof. Dr. I Nengah Dasi Astawa, M.Si, stated that to strengthen the link and match between education and industry, eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic currently operates three teaching factories that serve as practical training sites for students: PT. Primavera Rio Caritate (ELBAJO Bottled Water Company), Senja Eatery Restaurant, and Elbajo Tour & Travel. At the end of his report, he proudly stated that eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic remains committed to producing graduates who are ready to compete in the industrial world, both domestically and internationally. In addition, he expressed his hope that eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic graduates will continue to contribute positively to national and regional development and become agents of change capable of facing the challenges of this era of globalization.
Prof. Dr. I Nengah Suparta, M.Si, stated that education requires exceptional concepts and outstanding skills. We must be able to create things based on noble and dignified principles, grounded in honesty. The world of education should not only enhance theoretical knowledge but also foster practical application, where services are delivered to the fullest extent and with precision.
In her remarks, Noviana Halim, Chairperson of the Bangkit Anak Negeriku Foundation, congratulated the outstanding graduates. She also shared some words of wisdom, emphasizing that the key to success is discipline. She went on to emphasize to the graduates that today they have received a key—whether that key leads to success or to ruin—and that this key lies within each graduate; ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how to use it.
In addition, Drs. Fransiskus Sales Sodo, Regional Secretary representing the Acting Regent of West Manggarai, delivered a speech in which he conveyed three messages to the graduates. First, he urged them to leave behind their old mindset and cultivate a self-improvement mindset to take advantage of the many opportunities available in Labuan Bajo, as exemplified by the hotel industry there. Second, he noted that there are environmental challenges, such as waste and damage to nature, given that Labuan Bajo is prone to disasters. He expressed his hope that we all become pioneers in caring for the environment—not merely relying on the government, but that all of us, including the younger generation, take the initiative to better care for the environment. Third, he emphasized the importance of establishing an organization to engage all stakeholders, serving as a platform for effective collaboration. This platform can then contribute to building a better Labuan Bajo and help clarify information or address issues related to tourism.
In addition, in his remarks, Prof. Dr. Adrianus Amheka, S.T., M.Eng., as Head of LLDikti Region XV, stated that, from a scientific perspective, the culture of mutual cooperation has been implemented very well and is deeply rooted at Elbajo Commodus Polytechnic. He expressed his hope that all of us, including the graduates, can contribute to the nation, to society, to an outstanding NTT, and serve as an inspiration for us all.
