Central Java Provincial Government Offers Free Vocational Training via Biptak

SEMARANG - Central Java Provincial Government is providing free vocational skills training for disadvantaged families, the poor, and people with disabilities through the Balai Industri Produk Tekstil dan Alas Kaki (Biptak). Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated in Semarang on Tuesday that trainees are placed with partner companies. Biptak operates under the Central Java Industry and Trade Department (Disperindag). He said, “Each cohort trains 300 people. This initiative is for our less fortunate children, including those with disabilities, all ready to work with 11 partner companies,” during his inspection of Biptak. Luthfi personally inspected the training process and engaged with participants. He explained the Biptak programme is part of the provincial government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce open unemployment. According to BPS data, Central Java’s open unemployment rate (TPT) in February 2026 stood at 4.24%, with approximately 481,000 workers currently employed in industry. The programme also supports Central Java’s thriving investment climate, ensuring trainees are job-ready for labour-intensive sectors. “Participants learn to make clothing, sell shoes, sew, and other skills,” he added. Disperindag Head July Emmylia stated that participants undergo a 20-day training with no fees, plus meals, accommodation, and transportation to partner companies. “After training, they are placed directly in companies as permanent employees with district/city minimum wages,” she said. Biptak requires around 5,000 trained workers annually, but current infrastructure and equipment capacity can only accommodate 3,000 across multiple cohorts. “Our capacity is 3,000 people, but our budget only covers 300 trainees, so we rely on CSR partnerships. With PT Mas Arya, we train nearly 700, totalling 960 using our facilities,” she explained.