Central Java Governor States 90 Per Cent of Vocational Graduates Employed in Workforce

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that approximately 90 per cent of vocational school graduates in the province have been absorbed into the industrial workforce. This demonstrates the readiness of Central Java’s young human resources to meet labour demands across various sectors.

“Of the 10 per cent not yet absorbed, it is because they are not yet old enough to continue working,” Luthfi said during a joint visit with Trade Minister Budi Santoso to several vocational schools in Kudus on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

During the visit, the delegation visited three vocational schools: SMK Raden Umar Said, SMK NU Banat Kudus, and SMK Wisudha Karya Kudus. The delegation was accompanied by Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris, Kudus Deputy Regent Bellinda Putri Sabrina Birton, Central Java’s Industry and Trade Service Head July Emmylia, and Central Java’s Education and Culture Service Head Sadimin.

The delegation directly observed various learning activities and student work from diverse fields of expertise. At SMK Raden Umar Said, they viewed animation work created by students. Meanwhile, at SMK NU Banat Kudus, the delegation witnessed student work in fashion and entrepreneurship, including fashion shows and products developed by students.

At SMK Wisudha Karya Kudus, the delegation observed vocational learning in the maritime sector, prepared to meet labour demands in the maritime industry. According to Luthfi, the diversity of expertise at these vocational schools demonstrates the readiness of Central Java’s young generation to enter various industrial sectors.

“This is evidence that our society is ready to work. Our young people at vocational schools in Central Java are prepared to work at companies in our region,” he said.

The Central Java Provincial Government, Luthfi continued, will continue to strengthen vocational education by expanding labour-intensive investment and increasing the number of Vocational Training Centres (BLK) across various districts and cities.

One student from SMK Raden Umar Said, Haidar, said his animation skills have developed rapidly since studying at the school, despite still being in the eleventh grade. He hopes to become a professional animator and pursue a career in the animation industry.

According to him, students are accustomed to working on projects from industry to gain work experience before graduating. In fact, several works by students at the school have been sold to the United States and Japan. Students focus not only on academic grades but also on producing real work that can serve as a portfolio when entering the workforce.

A similar account was shared by SMK NU Banat Kudus student Hannah Rahmania Putri. She said students learn not only design but also develop products ready for sale.

“For this semester, we are developing several products such as card holders, lanyards, wallets, and belts,” she said.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso added that the government is ready to help open international market access for creative products from vocational schools, including animation services.

According to him, the Trade Ministry has an Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) network in various countries that can help promote Indonesian products to global markets.

“If there are services such as animation from these SMK friends, we can help connect them with market demand abroad,” said Budi.