Hobiholidays Tour Inspires Youth to Speak English Confidently at the 2026 English Storytelling Competition

Bekasi, 13 February 2026 — As a form of commitment to supporting the development of Indonesia's younger generation, Hobiholidays Tour successfully held the English Storytelling Competition 2026, themed “My Dream Holidays.” The competition provided a platform for junior and senior high school students to develop their English language skills, boost self-confidence, and express their dreams through stories about the destinations they hope to visit.

The program was organized as part of Hobiholidays Tour's effort to encourage English proficiency as a gateway to global opportunities, whether in education, career, or the international tourism industry. In an increasingly connected era, the ability to communicate in English has become an essential asset for young people to broaden their horizons and compete internationally.

Participant enthusiasm was evident from the high level of participation during the preliminary round. More than 600 students from various schools submitted storytelling videos via social media in line with the competition theme. After a selection process by the internal Hobiholidays Tour team, 30 top finalists were chosen — consisting of 15 participants in the junior high school category and 15 in the senior high school category — to advance to the live Grand Final round.

The Grand Final round was held on 13 February 2026 at Hall Pakuwon Residence Bekasi. In this session, finalists showcased their public speaking skills, English proficiency, storytelling creativity, and ability to convey their experiences and imagination about their dream destinations before the panel of judges and invited guests.

The theme “My Dream Holidays” was chosen to invite participants not only to talk about the tourist destinations they wish to visit, but also to describe the experiences, culture, atmosphere, and meaning of the journeys they imagine.

The competition was judged by Wilson H. Malau, Chief Operating Officer of SHW Journey Group; Andri Yosep Rizal, Tour Leader at Hobiholidays Tour; and Ananda Verani Ruth Angela, Country Manager of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

Through the English Storytelling Competition, Hobiholidays Tour hopes to continue presenting educational programs that create a positive impact on society while inspiring Indonesia's younger generation to dream boldly and believe in themselves.