LABUAN BAJO TERKINI  – Innovation in local tourism development are increasingly showing positive impact, one of which is through the synergy between homestays and tour guides driven by the initiative of creative entrepreneurs.

In Manggarai Regency, the two main actors Mr. Jefri, owner of Sun Rice Homestay, and Mr. Darnel, owner of D-Rima Homestay, are a clear example of how collaboration based on culture and education can strengthen the local economy while maintaining traditional wisdom values.

Mr. Jefri, a graduate of the Catholic University of Indonesia (UNIKA) English Study Program, in his interview, took the bold step of leaving the teaching profession to create new job opportunity through the tourism sector.

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“I saw that Labuan Bajo was designated as a super premium destination, meaning that tourism will continue to grow. So I started opening culture homestays, where guests not only stay over night, but also experience first-hand the lives of local people,” he said.

At Sun Rice Homestay, guests are treated to authentic experience such as lontoleok-dinner activities together wearing traditional sarongs, sunrise treking , and interacting with elementary school children in the Visit School program.

The program not only introduces Manggarai culture, but also strengthens guests’ relationships with local communities.

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“We take guests to SDI Kenda. There they taught basic English such as numbers, colors, and introduced their families. There are also guests who distribute books and participate in cleaning the school environment with the children,” added Mr. Jefri.

The synergy between homestays and tour guides is considered a complementary unit. Trekking to rice fields and an understanding of local life are important parts of the tour packages offered.

To maintain service quality, the tour guides involved are required to have an official identity through the Indonesian Guides Association (HPI), to ensure professionalism and comfort for tourists.

However, Mr. Jefri admits that challenges remain, especially in establishing continuity between homestays and tour guides.

“If guests don’t get maximum service from the guide, it will affect the homestay as well. Guest ratings can decline,” he said

.To support this transformation, training for tour guides and entrepreneurs is also conducted regularly by HPI in collaboration with the Manggarai Tourism Office.

Homestay promotion itself is done digitally through platforms such as Google, Agoda, and Booking.com.

“People used to use guidebooks, now everything is online. Guest ratings and reviews on digital platforms are very decisive,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Mr. Darnel, owner of D-Rima Homestay, developed a similar concept.

Coming from a background in the hospitality industry, he now focuses on promoting local potential by involving young people as tour guides.

He emphasizes the importance of ethics and consistency for the guides he engages.

“The first thing I see from them is ethics. How they greet guests, interact politely, and are consistent in their work. That’s key,” says Mr. Darnel.

He also emphasizes the importance of establishing smooth communication between homestays and guides to avoid miscommunication in tour arrangements.

This collaboration model does not rely on complex formal business structures.
According to Mr. Darnel, the main thing is the passion and commitment of the local guides to help and grow together.

“I don’t charge high prices, knowing that guests come from different backgrounds. The important thing is that they (guides) are intentional and consistent,” he adds.

Initiatives like Mr. Jeffri show that tourism transformation does not have to wait for government programs. With creativity, a willingness to take risks, and a focus on local culture, even independent businesses can make a big impact on sustainable tourism development.

Meanwhile, Mr. Darnel gave the same message to the younger generation: consistency is key. Tourism transformation does not happen overnight, but through a gradual process involving passion, cooperation, and love for local culture.

Oleh: Delviana Klaudia Putri, Yohana Gualbertis Istilet and Regionaldus Vetran Tasing – Mahasiswa Prodi Bahasa Inggris Unika St Paulus Ruteng Manggarai NTT 

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