The morning bell at High School SMA Negeri 52 Jakarta rang in more than just a new school day. Students in crisp white-and-grey uniforms and vibrant traditional attire filled the assembly hall with anticipation as executives from PT Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) arrived as part of the educational initiative of the state port operator – Pelindo Mengajar.
The program, launched under the Pelindo Peduli corporate social responsibility banner of state port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), aims to nurture future generations with intelligence and integrity.
At the heart of the visit was JICT President Director Ade Hartono, who stepped into the role of guest lecturer. Speaking candidly to the packed hall, Hartono shared his professional journey from student to the helm of Indonesia’s largest container terminal, painting a broader picture of what it means to serve in a state-owned enterprise.
“Working at the port is not just about managing logistics,” he said. “It’s about building capability, character, and contributing to the nation. When you work for a BUMN (state companies), you’re ultimately working for the people of Indonesia.”
The session moved beyond career anecdotes. In a lively interactive segment, students learned how Pelindo’s network of ports underpins Indonesia’s logistics system and its connectivity to global trade routes.
Ade likened the role of state-owned companies to an orchestra: “Every player has a distinct function, but harmony comes from collaboration. Just like that, Pelindo and JICT each play a part in the broader goal, improving the prosperity of the nation,” he explained.
The impact of the session was evident among students. “Students were highly engaged. Hearing directly from industry leaders gives them a sense of real-world purpose,” said Barsih, Principal of SMA 52 Jakarta.
“Programs like this help bridge the gap between education and employment. They need to know how BUMNs contribute to society, not just as institutions, but as national assets.”
The Pelindo Mengajar initiative continues to be rolled out across various schools, reinforcing a national effort to bring the world of industry closer to classrooms—and inspiring a new generation to think beyond textbooks.