"We will monitor (their development) after returning home as well. They will learn the spirit and work ethic in Hungary, one of the most developed in the industry sector," he said here on Monday, after sending off 30 students to Hungary for an internship program.
The overseas internship for Indonesian students is a pilot program that is being supervised by the government.
The interns will get 20 credits every semester according to the standards recommended by the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry and based on the proposal of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).
Meanwhile, polytechnic and vocational school students who intern for one to two years in industrialized countries will get allowance, accommodation, and insurance.
The program, which has been developed by Kadin and private recruiter Markija Berdaya, started in 2022 and has sent 616 students from 60 Indonesian polytechnics for internships in 32 industries in Hungary.
Currently, there are about 800 students who are still preparing for departure or whose requests are under process.
The government will encourage the program to be expanded to other countries that have advanced industries.
On Monday, Hartarto praised the interns who have gained the opportunity to improve their skills abroad and said he hoped they would put their knowledge to use at home.
"Take advantage of this opportunity to gain as much knowledge as possible. Do not hesitate to study and ask for practical work and to learn, and do not forget to keep questioning," he said.
The Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry is targeting to send at least 20 thousand Indonesians to work and study or intern in some countries, such as Germany, eastern European countries, Japan, South Korea, and many others in 2024.
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Translator: Sanya S, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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