Pangkalpinang – Fourteen Bangka Belitung (Babel) youths participated in the selection process for Exchange Program 2023 held in Sun Hotel, Pangkalpinang. The event started from 16 to 19 March 2023 aimed to search and develop youth potential through international cooperation.
Two selected participants will join the program separately. Female representatives will participate in Singapore-Indonesia Youth Leaders Exchange Program (SIYLEP), while male representatives will join Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP).
The acting head of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports (Disparbudkepora) office Herwanita, in her opening remarks, hoped that all participants took this selection seriously. The best ones would represent Bangka Belitung.
“I hope this program will enhance your knowledge. This selection looks for excellent candidates to represent Bangka Belitung to the world,” said Herwanita.
On the same occasion, the head of Purwa Caraka Muda Indonesia Mustika Rini said some inspiring words to all participants who dare to join the program.
“You are all great because you have stepped out of your comfort zone. Many young people want to be in your position rights now, yet they were not brave enough to try,” she said.
She hoped whoever would represent Bangka Belitung would be the best candidates. The selected participants will represent not only Bangka Belitung, but also Indonesia.
“Let’s have a fair competition. Show us what you get and why you deserve to be dispatched as a delegate,” Rini concluded.
The opening session was also attended by the head of Youth division Pairus, and Sub-coordinator for youth development Wiyanti Dwi Lestari. (ZE/SAS)
