Mendiktisaintek: Vocational Education Plays Strategic Role in Preparing Human Resources

Depok (ANTARA) - The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Brian Yuliarti, has affirmed that vocational education plays a strategic role in preparing human resources who are skilled, adaptive, and capable of addressing the challenges of industrial transformation. “Vocational graduates must have a balance between mastery of theory and practical skills relevant to the needs of the working world,” said Brian in a video speech at the Open House event for Jakarta State Polytechnic (PNJ) in Depok on Wednesday. She stated that the government continues to encourage strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and industry to improve the competitiveness of graduates at both national and global levels. “PNJ is currently still opening opportunities through various new student admission pathways, namely independent examination pathways, independent achievement pathways, and industry cooperation pathways,” said PNJ Director Syamsurizal. At this open house event, participants not only obtain academic information but also have the opportunity to visit the campus directly to see the real learning environment through departmental open booth activities and campus tours, which are among the most popular agendas. Through the organisation of this open house, PNJ hopes that participants can gain a clearer understanding of vocational education, while also using this event as a reference in determining choices for higher education in the future. The series of open house activities is also complemented by insight sessions with professional speakers and alumni, who share career experiences and the importance of mastering soft skills. The introductory speech was opened by Eko Putro Sandjojo, an alumnus of Electronics Engineering and Minister of Villages, Development of Underdeveloped Regions and Transmigration (PDTTRI) from 2016-2019. Several speakers present included Sri Haryanto, an alumnus of the PNJ Accounting department and Director of Finance and Risk Management at PT Nindya Karya, Reagan Evan, an alumnus of Business Administration and Indonesian tourism ambassador, Nuril Jigur, a PNJ Business Administration alumnus and public speaker, as well as industry representatives. Meanwhile, Agus Budiyanto, a PNJ Accounting alumnus and Executive Director of Zakat FOZ, also attended as a speaker emphasising the importance of vocational education in producing graduates who are work-ready and able to adapt to industrial dynamics. PNJ introduced various industry cooperation classes that provide opportunities for students to learn directly according to the needs of the working world. Some of PNJ’s strategic partners include CCIT, which focuses on information and communication technology, Badak LNG in the energy and gas industry sector, MSU as an international partner in strengthening global education, PT SBI in industry and business, and HOPE–LZPU, which contributes to education development and international collaboration. During this event, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed with strategic partners, including Gapura Angkasa, HOPE–LZPU, and HAKIT. This cooperation covers industry-based curriculum development, internship programmes, enhancement of student competencies, to employment opportunities for graduates in the working world. This collaboration serves as evidence of PNJ’s commitment to delivering vocational education that aligns with industry needs. The event is designed as a comprehensive educational medium for prospective students to understand the vocational learning system that emphasises practice, work readiness, and close collaboration with the industry.