Jakarta. The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises has taken an active role in developing Indonesia's youth to ensure a better workforce in the future with the launch of this year's "Siswa Mengenal Nusantara," or "Students Know the Nation" program.

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno expressed hope that students participating in the program will go on to become the pride of the nation. The program will also teach participants about Indonesia's cultural diversity and the role state-owned enterprises have in developing the country.

"Indonesia is huge and rich in cultural diversity. The program we started in 2015 can be very useful to teach our younger generation about Indonesia's cultural diversity through practice and experience, and hopefully create a better, more qualified workforce in the future that can take Indonesia forward," Rini said during the launch event in Jakarta on Friday (10/08).

The event also served as a send-off for the 150 students participating in the program, which will involve them living with host families in the areas where they will be based to receive insights on culture, education, entrepreneurship, state-owned enterprises and more.

Program participants were selected on their academic achievements and involvement in community organizations. Disabled and disadvantaged students were also included to create opportunities for all, without exception.

"I encourage state-owned enterprises to continue taking part in this program and continue to push the development and achievements of the younger generation to keep Indonesia moving forward. I'm very thankful for the state-owned enterprises that have involved themselves in this program," Rini said.

Telkom's managing director David Bangun emphasized that the state-owned telecommunications company fully supports the implementation of the program as part of the "State-Owned Enterprises for the Nation" program.

More than 850 high school students, 68 teachers and 68 teaching assistants from 34 provinces are participated in this year's iteration of the program, which was started in 2015 to help students from various provinces visit and find out more about other provinces.