Japanese workout for Aceh workers

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: About 400 workers here are ready to be sent to Japan to work under an apprenticeship program, the head of the Ministry of Manpower's provincial office, Prie Soekarno, said Saturday.

The youths, mostly senior high school graduates, will be sent to work at electronics and automotive factories in the near future. The length of their stay in Japan will depend on their performance.

They will soon undergo special training in Jakarta before leaving for Japan, Prie said.

"We hope that their improved skills and work ethic will be useful for their future and the nation," he told Antara.

About 216 Aceh youths are currently working in Japan. (prb)