Education Minister States Four-Year Vocational Schools Already in Operation

JAKARTA - The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, stated that vocational secondary schools (SMK) with a four-year study period have already begun operating. “It’s already underway in parts. The four-year SMK is now starting to operate, including SMK in collaboration with P2MI, and the SMK Go Global projected for those ready to work abroad. It’s already starting, already starting, and next week,” said Mu’ti at the RI Bakom office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026). Mu’ti explained that the four-year SMK consist of both private and public schools. However, he emphasised that studying for four years is not mandatory. “But, for example, if someone wants to finish in three years, they can. Then, there are those who finish in three years and then want to add one more year. Well, we provide schemes that allow them to learn and with their competencies, they can work both domestically and abroad,” Mu’ti continued. Previously, the government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) planned to increase the number of vocational secondary schools (SMK) with a four-year study period. This was stated by the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, during the inauguration of school revitalisation in Garut, West Java, broadcast online on Thursday (8/1/2026). “Now there are already many SMK that I studied for four years, but the number is still very limited. So, we will increase the number of four-year SMK,” said Mu’ti, quoted from the official Kemendikdasmen YouTube account on Thursday (8/1/2026). Therefore, Mu’ti intends to increase the number of SMK with a four-year study period so that SMK graduates are better prepared to enter the workforce. “They join the four-year SMK and then at the age of 18, they are ready with their skills, so they are ready to enter the workforce or start entrepreneurship,” he said.