Makassar, September 18, 2025 – The Makassar Tourism Polytechnic (Poltekpar) today held its 34th anniversary celebration at the Makassar Tourism Polytechnic Rectorate Building. The event was lively and attended by several officials, agency leaders, Dharma Wanita (Women’s Association), academics, students, and retired employees who have contributed to building this prestigious tourism campus in eastern Indonesia.
Starting the event, Drs. Muh. Yusuf, MM., former Director of Poltekpar Makassar, presented a retrospective of the institution’s journey since its initial name, the Tourism Education and Training Center (BPLP). In his presentation, he emphasized the significant transformation that has led Poltekpar to become a vocational tourism university with superior accreditation. He stated that this journey is clear evidence that Poltekpar continues to maintain its commitment to educational quality while adapting to changing times.
Next, a scientific speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ilham, M.Sc., with the theme “Developing Superior Tourism Professionals Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045: Values, Ethics, and Local Wisdom.” In his speech, Prof. Ilham emphasized that tourism is not solely about economic profit, but must be grounded in social responsibility, sustainability, and strengthening local culture. He urged tourism professionals to prioritize the values of integrity and responsibility, uphold global ethics that strengthen social harmony, and preserve local wisdom as a key pillar of sustainable tourism development.
In his remarks, the Director of Makassar Polytechnic of Tourism, Dr. Herry Rachmat Widjaja, MM.Par., CHE, expressed his appreciation to all committee members, lecturers, educational staff, students, alumni, and industry partners who played a role in making the series of anniversary activities a success. He emphasized that this year’s anniversary theme, “Excellence in Achievement, Solidity in Togetherness,” serves as a reminder and a shared commitment to continuously improve academic quality, strengthen international competitiveness, and maintain togetherness throughout the academic community.
On that occasion, Poltekpar Makassar also presented awards to the best students from each study program, the best lecturers, and the best employees, both civil servants and PPNPN (National Civil Servants). Furthermore, as a token of appreciation and gratitude, the campus also presented souvenirs to retired employees who have dedicated their lives to the institution’s advancement.
The event concluded with a tumpeng (rice cone) cutting ceremony as a symbol of gratitude, followed by entertainment for all guests and the academic community. This atmosphere of togetherness signaled that, at 34 years old, Poltekpar Makassar is increasingly ready to run faster, work smarter, and collaborate more closely to realize itself as a center of excellence in vocational tourism education capable of making a real contribution to the nation.