We hope that through these scholarships, the standard of Islamic education or schools can match with private and public schools
Pandeglang, Banten (ANTARA) - State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) provided scholarships to 7,700 santri (students of Islamic boarding schools) in a bid to develop human resources in several Islamic schools in Indonesia.

"We hope that through these scholarships, the standard of Islamic education or schools can match with private and public schools," Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir stated here on Thursday.

SOEs are focusing on providing scholarship programs for Islamic boarding schools and education in order to build human resources that have good character and uphold moral values.

To this end, currently, the corporate social responsibility activities among SOEs are prioritized for the education sector.

Related news: SOEs help to ensure successful 2022 Eid homecoming: SOEs Minister

"We help pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) and Islamic education by providing scholarships, educational facilities, and equipment," he pointed out.

According to Thohir, SOEs are also cooperating with the National Alms Agency (Baznas) to support students of Islamic boarding schools and Islamic educational units. In fact, the Baznas head promised to provide scholarships for 10 thousand students.

The minister illustrated that if a total of 17,700 students received the scholarship, they would become the strength of Muslims in the country.

Thohir remarked that SOEs also provided internship opportunities for santri to help them gain competencies and hone their skills in various fields. Thousands of santri have joined internships in various SOEs.


Related news: Community should support MSMEs run by disabled people: Minister

The internship program is aimed at creating young leaders with capabilities and able to respond to the progress of the nation, as currently, most members of Indonesia's population are under the age of 40, and in the next 10 years, an increase of 50 million people is estimated.

Hence, Muslim youths are being readied to become a superior and quality generation that upholds moral values.

"Do not let Muslims only become observers but doers for the advancement of the Indonesian nation," he remarked.


Related news: Culture is foundation of advanced nation: SOEs Minister

Related news: Advancement of MSMEs hinges primarily on cooperation with SOES

Translator: Mansyur Suryana, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022