Swan.my.id - Jakarta, Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs and the Indonesian Association of Radio Broadcasters (PERSIARI) mapped students’ interests and talents through the Talent Mapping School program, held from October 2 to 4, 2026, across 18 cities and regencies. The initiative introduced communication skills intended to support students’ development and readiness for work.
The program forms part of PERSIARI’s support for Sekolah Rakyat, a priority program for children from families in Deciles 1 and 2 of the National Social and Economic Data (DTSEN). Organizers aimed to identify students’ potential and help guide learning that reflects their interests.
PERSIARI deployed 54 teams to introduce and provide practice in broadcasting, journalism and public speaking. The sessions also presented media skills as possible tools for students to express themselves and prepare for future opportunities.
Talent Mapping School reaches 18 areas
The program ran in South Jakarta, Surabaya City, Pasuruan Regency and City, Banyuwangi, Jember, Trenggalek, Kediri Regency and City, Madiun, Sampang, Malang, Lamongan, Probolinggo, Bangkalan, Sumenep, Ponorogo and Pamekasan.
One activity took place at Integrated Sekolah Rakyat 4 in DKI Jakarta, involving 240 students in grades 10 and 11. On the second day, students learned about public speaking and practised addressing their classmates by telling stories about their hobbies.
They also worked in pairs to simulate interviews, with one student acting as the interviewee and the other as the interviewer. The students then spoke in front of hundreds of peers, allowing the team to observe their speaking skills, confidence and ability to communicate.
Many participants showed promising speaking ability during the exercises, according to the program account. The potential, it said, could develop further through continued practice.
Students practise interviews and radio broadcasting
At the Jakarta school, students can also explore creative work through the Creator Club extracurricular activity, which introduces content creation. Public speaking supports activities such as presenting ideas, making content and interacting with an audience.
On the third day, students tried radio presenting through a simulated talk show. Students took turns acting as presenters and guests. The exercise showed how speaking skills can apply to broadcasting and media production.
Adi Widodo, chairman of PERSIARI’s East Java regional board and a member of the team at the Jakarta school, described the assignment from the Ministry of Social Affairs as a major responsibility. He said meeting students, observing school and dormitory activities, and learning about their ambitions strengthened the team’s motivation to support them.
Organizers hope to continue the program
Adi said he hoped the partnership between the ministry and PERSIARI would continue. He viewed public speaking, journalism and broadcasting as skills students could keep developing, while also building their confidence to speak in public.
Organizers hope the initial mapping will inform more focused public-speaking lessons that match students’ abilities and interests. PERSIARI also plans to extend the program to other provinces. The stated aim is to help Sekolah Rakyat serve not only as a place for formal education, but also as a path toward wider opportunities for young people.
