East Lombok – The Tourism Study Program (Prodi) of Hamzanwadi University has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of education through the implementation of a student internship program.

Entering the fifth year of implementing this program, the Tourism Study Program has not only expanded the number of internship location partners, but also increased the number of students involved and reached new destinations, including Bali.

The Coordinator of the Tourism Study Program, Muhammad Ramli, M.Pd., CHE., said that the 2025 internship program has experienced a significant increase, both in terms of the number of participants and the scope of internship locations.

"This year, we are not only placing students in various regions on Lombok Island, but also expanding our reach to Bali, precisely in the Penglipuran Tourism Village, Bangli," said Ramli, Saturday (04/18/2025).

Penglipuran Tourism Village is known as one of the culture-based tourism destinations that has won various awards, making it a strategic location for students to study sustainable tourism management.

Ramli added that the number of destination partners and tourism industries collaborating with the Tourism Study Program increased from 15 partners in the previous year to 18 partners in 2025.

"The increase in the number of partners provides more choices of internship locations for students, while expanding the network of cooperation with the tourism industry. This also reflects the industry's trust in the quality of our students," he said.

These partners cover various types of tourism industries, such as hotels, travel agencies, tourist villages, and tourist attractions, which are spread across various regions.

This year's briefing involved experienced practitioners, namely the Director of Sunrise Land Lombok and the General Manager of Innit Lombok, who provided in-depth insights into the dynamics of the world of work in the tourism industry.

"We want to ensure that students not only have theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills and a deep understanding of the work ecosystem in the tourism sector," explained Ramli.

The internship program, which will last for four months, from April 16 to July 31, 2025, is designed to provide real work experience to students.

During this period, students will be directly involved in the operations of the tourism industry, from managing tourist attractions, guest services, to developing tourism products.

"We hope that this program will not only enrich students' scientific knowledge, but also equip them with relevant practical experience, so that they are ready to compete in the world of work," added Ramli.

Dean of FBSH Hamzanwadi University Dr. H. Mohzana, M.Pd added that this internship program is a real manifestation of Hamzanwadi University's commitment to producing competent and competitive graduates.

"By expanding the scope of the internship to Bali, we are sure that our students will gain a broader perspective on the national tourism industry," he said.

In the future, the Tourism Study Program at Hamzanwadi University plans to continue adding strategic partners, including international destinations, as well as integrating technology in the implementation of internships, such as virtual reality-based training.

With these steps, Hamzanwadi University is optimistic that it can produce graduates who are not only competent, but also able to become key players in tourism development in NTB and Indonesia.