Education Ministry Strengthens Competency and Global Partnerships for Training Centres

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is continuing to strengthen the quality of competency and global networks of course and training institutions (LKP) in preparing human resources capable of competing professionally in the global job market. Director General of Secondary Education and Special Education at Kemendikdasmen, Tatang Muttaqin, in Jakarta on Friday, affirmed that course and training education has characteristics that enable it to respond quickly to the needs of the job market through flexible, competency-based training programmes designed in line with industrial developments. “Course and training education has a very strategic role in preparing a workforce that is ready to enter the world of work as well as improving the competency of the existing labour force,” said Tatang. He stated that currently, job opportunities are no longer limited to the domestic job market but are also wide open in various countries that require competent workers. According to him, these opportunities must be optimally utilised by Indonesian LKP graduates. For this reason, strengthening the quality of LKPs needs to be carried out in a structured manner. This effort is pursued through aligning curricula with industry needs, enhancing the practical experience of students, strengthening instructor competency, and expanding partnerships with the business world, industry, and international partners. “Thus, the graduates produced not only meet national competency standards but are also able to meet the expectations of the international job market,” he explained. Tatang added that skill areas such as spa therapist and caregiver are among the LKP strengths that have high demand in various countries. He assessed that both fields require workers who are not only technically competent but also possess a strong work ethic, integrity, communication skills, and care for service recipients. On the same occasion, Director of Courses and Training at Kemendikdasmen, Yaya Sutarya, said his party remains committed to encouraging the continuous improvement of LKP quality. This step is realised through the development of industry-based curricula, strengthening competency certification, increasing the capacity of educators and education personnel, and expanding partnerships with the business world, industry, and international partners. “We hope to build a shared learning ecosystem regarding international job opportunities, global industry competency needs, job placement challenges, and strategies for improving the quality of course education graduates,” said Yaya. According to Yaya, the various LKP Mendunia Webinar Series forums held by his party are expected to strengthen synergy between regulators, course education practitioners, and alumni in supporting the structured development of LKP graduate employability. Through this programme, Kemendikdasmen hopes that more Indonesian LKP graduates will be able to pursue careers at the international level while becoming representatives of Indonesian human resources that are competent, professional, and globally competitive. He also urged various LKPs in Indonesia to continue transforming into institutions that are increasingly adaptive and of international standard through strengthening curricula based on global industry needs, improving the quality of practice facilities, enhancing foreign language learning, developing a professional work culture, and expanding international cooperation networks.