It was a very surprising day for the students. Victor from Spain and Jessica from France visited an English class. The students whispered to each other because they were curious to know. Then, they sat at the same table with Victor and Jessica.
In the classroom, Mr. Agung Pratama Salassa, the English teacher, welcomed the guests warmly. He told the guests that most of his students were children and teenagers. After that, they all started a simple conversation. Apart from a few words, most students hoped to get questions, and the two foreigners thought the same. The room was quiet for a moment. Then, Jessica broke the silence with her friendly personality. She greeted some students, and they answered in the same. The atmosphere became closer and warmer.
Soon after that, Lulu, a recent high school graduate got some questions. She used this valuable chance to speak as best as she could. She talked about her dream to study in the United States or Japan. To study at a top university and join the world community, Lulu is learning English and Japanese. She also learned Mandarin before. Some of her family members are also learning foreign languages at Rumah RBB (Rumah Belajar Bersama) where she is learning English now. Her elder cousin, Lala, is teaching at an international school in Bali now. Lala is the close family example that Lulu wants to follow. Lala is one of the important persons who has inspired her to learn foreign languages.
“Wow, that is amazing family”, Jessica said and Victor agreed. Jessica asked more questions. “Is Japanese language difficult?”, Jessica asked. “No”, Lulu answered. “I have learned Mandarin before. It is similar to Japanese”, she added confidently.
In short, from this good understanding, Jessica and Victor saw that the 19-year-old girl did not just have big dreams but also made a real effort. This meeting made Lulu very happy. She smiled because the guests could understand her words, even though she is still at the Basic English level at RBB.
Other students at the same level also wanted to speak. However, they understood that the two kind foreign guests were the visitors of Kak Aris Irfan—the Head of Cahaya Bone of Kalla Travel and the Owner of Villa Malomo. It was time for them to leave Bulukumba and go to Bira, their main destination. Moreover, Kak Irfan and his beloved wife had been waiting patiently for a long time. Therefore, the students quickly took some pictures together as memories of this inspiring meeting which almost ended.
Kak Irfan did a great thing. He supported local Indonesian students to be brave and speak English with foreigners. To Kak Irfan, Mademoiselle Jessica, and Señor Victor, all of us in informal education thank you very much for your kindness. Because of you all, this unpredictable, unimaginable and valuable meeting came true.
Zulkarnain Patwa
Bulukumba, Friday, June 5, 2026
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