From Climate Crisis to Technological Disruption, Vocational Education Deemed Increasingly Strategic
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, has asserted that vocational education is the key for Indonesia to face global competition, technological disruption, and the green economic transition. He made these remarks during the 18th Anniversary of the University of Indonesia’s Vocational Education Programme.
In his scientific oration, AHY stated that the world is currently facing geopolitical uncertainty, technological rivalry, and increasingly intense global economic competition. “Today’s global race is no longer just about who possesses the largest natural resources, but who possesses the most superior, productive, innovative, and adaptive human capital to face changing times,” said AHY on Monday.
He cited South Korea and China as examples of nations that successfully built advanced industries through significant investment in technical and vocational education. He noted that Indonesia must strengthen human resource development to escape the middle-income trap and achieve the ‘Indonesia Emas 2045’ vision.
AHY observed that a mismatch currently exists between industrial needs and higher education output. While sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, mining, construction, and processing industries contribute over 50 per cent to the national GDP, the demand for technical and vocational labour has not been fully met. Consequently, he urged for stronger ‘link and match’ initiatives between vocational campuses and industry, the strengthening of STEM education, the expansion of applied research, global competency certification, and international collaboration.
“Vocational education must no longer be viewed as second-class education. In the era of modern industrialisation, the green economy, and the digital economy, vocational education is the backbone of national development,” he added.
AHY also emphasised that future infrastructure development must be integrated with the development of education, industrial zones, innovation centres, and the national vocational ecosystem to create quality employment for Indonesia’s youth.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment, Jumhur Hidayat, highlighted the importance of vocational education in addressing the global environmental crisis and supporting the transition to a green economy. He noted that the world is facing a ‘triple planetary crisis’: climate change, pollution and waste, and biodiversity loss.
“We live in a time when the ecological crisis is no longer a distant prediction. It has become a daily experience,” said Jumhur, noting that hydrometeorological disasters are increasingly dominating disaster occurrences in Indonesia. He also pointed out that national waste management remains a major challenge.
According to Jumhur, the circular economy and green transition require skilled labour produced by vocational education, ranging from solar panel technicians and waste processing operators to energy auditors, electric vehicle technicians, and smart farming specialists. “The green economy does not reduce job opportunities. If designed correctly, the green economy can become an engine for creating new jobs,” he stated.
He also encouraged vocational students to become an ecological generation that utilises technology to create environmental solutions and sustainable development.