Padang City Government Opens 40 Aviation Vocational Scholarships with Job Guarantee
The Padang City Government in West Sumatra is strengthening investment in human resources through an industry-based vocational education scheme. The latest move involves a partnership with Politeknik Kirana to open 40 aviation vocational scholarship slots for the city’s youth, complete with job opportunities upon graduation.
The cooperation was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Padang City Government and Politeknik Kirana at the City Education and Culture Office on Thursday (18/6). The programme is considered a significant breakthrough as it not only provides access to higher education but also ensures graduates are absorbed into the workforce, specifically within the Lion Group aviation ecosystem.
Padang Mayor Fadly Amran expressed appreciation for Politeknik Kirana’s commitment to providing scholarships with guaranteed job placement. According to Fadly, the programme aligns with the vision of developing superior human resources through the flagship Padang Juara programme, which emphasises improving education quality and youth competitiveness.
“This is a great opportunity for the children of Padang. We thank Politeknik Kirana for providing scholarships as well as job guarantees,” said Fadly.
Politeknik Kirana is a Diploma IV vocational higher education institution focusing on the aviation sector. The campus has three strategic study programmes, all of which are currently in high demand by the national air transport industry amid rising passenger mobility and aviation industry expansion.
In addition to tuition fee waivers, prospective students from Padang will also receive living costs during their studies, fully covered by the Padang City Government. Fadly emphasised that this living cost support is part of the local government’s commitment so that students can focus on learning without being burdened by operational expenses during college. Through the Padang Juara programme, the city government targets sending vocational graduates sustainably each year to meet the demand for professional workers in various strategic sectors.
Politeknik Kirana’s President Director, Capt. Taufik Hidayat, said the institution, established in 2025, is committed to expanding access to quality vocational education. He noted that the quota of 40 scholarships this year is the initial step in a long-term partnership. “We hope this programme does not stop this year. Going forward, we will continue to increase the scholarship quota,” said Taufik. He added that the campus has prepared complete facilities, from laboratories to student dormitories, to support effective learning.
This collaboration serves as a concrete example of implementing the link and match concept between education and industry. For Padang City, this programme is not merely financial assistance but a long-term investment to produce superior human resources capable of competing in the national strategic industrial sector. The Mayor urged students and parents to actively follow official information from government channels, especially through the Padang Communication and Information Office, so as not to miss this golden opportunity.