Lex Hippo Family Club Resumes Its Cultural Exchange Program in Indonesia: Bali, Labuan Bajo, and Jakarta
By: Ali Syarief
After several years of postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lex Hippo Family Club is once again bringing its international Cultural Exchange Program to Indonesia at the end of this year. This long-awaited program will take participants across three unique cultural regions: Bali, Labuan Bajo, and Jakarta, offering immersive experiences that highlight Indonesia’s rich diversity and its warmth in welcoming guests from abroad.
The journey will begin in Bali, where participants will stay with local families in Desa Penglipuran—a traditional village known for its strong community values, harmonious way of life, and well-preserved cultural heritage. This homestay experience allows participants to observe and engage with Balinese daily routines, traditions, and intergenerational bonds, providing a meaningful cross-cultural encounter.
From Bali, the group will continue to Labuan Bajo, where they will visit Kampung Komodo and live alongside the local community. Beyond cultural immersion, participants will also have the rare opportunity to see one of the world’s most extraordinary and endangered creatures—the Komodo dragon, found only in this region of Indonesia. The program is designed not only to foster cultural understanding but also to promote appreciation for environmental conservation and indigenous communities.
Read also : https://crosscultureinstitute.com/a-short-guide-to-enter-indonesia/
The final segment of the program will take place in Jakarta, where participants will stay with their newly connected host families in the capital city and its surrounding areas. This urban homestay offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing Indonesia’s contemporary lifestyle, multicultural identity, and the hospitality of families who open their homes to new friends from around the world.
A total of 84 participants, ranging from toddlers as young as 3 years old to seniors over the age of 70—men, women, and entire families—will join this year’s exchange. The highlight of the program will be the Cultural Exchange Day on 1 January 2026, held at Gallery Kampoeng Baroe in East Jakarta. Participants and host families will share performances, cultural showcases, and direct interactions, creating a vibrant cross-cultural dialogue rooted in respect, curiosity, and friendship.
This year’s program is made possible through the dedication and support of many individuals and partners. In particular, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Eggy Ligia, Mr and Mrs. Sukrawardy, Mrs. Lucia Soetanto, Mrs. Imalia Kamalo, and the Megumi Center Indonesia. We are also deeply grateful to the dozens of host families whose generosity and warmth—too many to name one by one—have been the backbone of this Cultural Exchange Program.
Before the pandemic, Lex Hippo Family Club successfully organized a similar “Summer Camp” program at Lembur Pancawati in Ciawi, Bogor. The club also achieved major success with homestay programs in Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra, and even earlier in Yogyakarta and Malang. These past experiences strengthened the foundation for today’s renewed Cultural Exchange Program and demonstrated Indonesia’s enduring hospitality across diverse regions.
