Koko Cici (Koci) is a pageant for selecting Chinese West Javan Ambassadors to be part of the Koko Cici Indonesia family, as a wing organization from the West Java Chinese Indonesian Family Social Association (PSMTI).

Rico was interested in participating in the Koci selection since it fits his own background as an Urban and Regional Planning student undergoing a fast track program in the Master’s Program in Tourism Planning. This is related to a Koci's role as a Chinese Cultural Ambassador, Social Ambassador, and Tourism Ambassador.

Rico’s journey to win this achievement was quite a long one. Starting from online selections in the form of interviews and talent shows, and continued with offline selections in the form of public speaking interviews, catwalks as well as several other stages. Until this stage, Rico managed to pass selections with 10 other pairs of finalists and took part in quarantine. This quarantine stage was carried out online (Zoom) and offline at the Paskal Santika Hotel. Through this quarantine stage, the finalists were provided with materials ranging from Chinese materials, tourism, to catwalk practices and attitudes to become ambassadors.

One of the events that was also part of the Koci selection activities was the Talent Show. The Talent Show was held on Saturday (15/04) at the Citylink Festival Mall. In this event, Rico performed a Ballroom Waltz Dance. Entering the grand finale night, the Top 5 Finalists were selected for a question and answer session. Taking place at the Auditorium Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung City, on Sunday (07/5), the Top 3 Finalists were selected. Rico succeeded in becoming Vice Koko Cici II of West Java.

“What was interesting was that all the participants and organizers were very friendly and warm even though they were still serious about preparing for the grand finale night,” Rico said. After officially becoming Vice Koko Cici II, Rico will serve and carry out his role as a Chinese Cultural Ambassador, Tourism Ambassador, and Social Ambassador for the West Java province for the next year period.

Photo: 2023 West Java Koci Selection Committee
Reporter: Hafsah Restu Nurul Annafi (Urban and Regional Planning 2019)
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)