VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (voinews): Director General of Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Kiki Yuliati drew attention to the improved trust of industries in vocational education.

"President Joko Widodo consistently supports the advancement of vocational education, and it continues to be promoted through the minister, who is also consistent in improving industries' trust in vocational education," Yuliati noted here on Tuesday.

The transformation of vocational education through the Vocational School Center for Excellence Program has created competent human resources in accordance with the needs of businesses and industries.

The improvement in trust of businesses and industries in vocational education is proven by their increased participation in the 2023 Vocational School Center of Excellence Matching Fund Scheme (SMK PK SPD) program.

Based on data from the ministry's Vocational School Directorate, 2,559 industries have registered and expressed their interest in the 2023 SMK PK SPD program, with total potential investment reaching Rp2.3 trillion (around US$152.1 million) for 56 types of expertise.

The number of participants increased significantly from 2022, namely 349 industries, with a total investment of Rp439.25 billion (around US$29.05 million).

Some 56 out of 128 types of expertise in the SMK PK SPD program were selected through a study with industries. Those types of expertise are considered to have huge potential in the future.

The ministry's Director of Vocational Schools Wardani Sugiyanto stated that the achievement is a positive signal for the transformation of vocational education through the revitalization of vocational schools and the Vocational School Center for Excellence program.

According to Sugiyanto, the 2,559 industries that have registered are dominated by medium- and large-scale industries, such as Astra, INKA Group, and others.

Apart from medium- and large-scale industries, several micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have also shown interest in the 2023 SMK PK SPD program.

"We are inviting MSMEs, especially those in regions, (to participate), so that the 2023 SMK PK SPD (program) can be impactful and drive the economy in regions," he remarked. (antaranews)