To Boost Global Competitiveness, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Expands Foreign Language Certification for SMK Students
Foreign language proficiency has become a crucial requirement for graduates of Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) to compete in the global job market. Through the SMK Students Foreign Language Certification Program Year 2026, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Technology (Kemendikdasmen) is committed to expanding opportunities for SMK students to work, intern, and study abroad. The strategic program runs through two main schemes. First, foreign language certification other than English covering Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, German, and French. Second, English certification through the international standard TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication).
Targets and Reach of the Program
To date, the non-English certification has reached more than 120 SMKs with targets of more than 13,000 students across various regions of Indonesia. Meanwhile, for TOEIC, the government has set more ambitious targets.
Number of Students: Around 170,000 participants
Number of Schools: More than 800 SMKs across Indonesia
As a strengthening step, the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikdasmen) organised Technical Guidance (Bimbingan Teknis, Bimtek) Government Assistance Program for the SMK Students Foreign Language Certification Year 2026 Phase 2 to ensure the program is implemented professionally and accurately.
Producing Global-Competent Human Resources
The Minister of Education, Culture and Technology, Abdul Mu’ti, affirmed that SMKs have a strategic position in preparing human resources (HR) who are ready to meet the needs of the global industry.
“We want Indonesian SMK graduates to possess global competencies and be able to compete internationally. They must be ready to work, create, and demonstrate the quality of the nation’s youths wherever they are,” Abdul Mu’ti stated in a press release on Friday (22/5).
He added that mastery of foreign languages will boost students’ confidence in opening new opportunities on the international stage, while also bringing a positive image for Indonesia.
Languages as Bridges to the Future
In tandem with this, the Director-General of Secondary and Specialised Education, Tatang Muttaqin, commented that a diploma alone is not enough in the modern job market. Communication and adaptability in an international environment are highly valuable.
“Language becomes a bridge to the future. Therefore, SMK graduates must be confident to compete, not only at the local level but also internationally,” Tatang said.
The government strives to ensure SMK graduates not only excel in technical skills relevant to their fields but are also equipped with soft skills and proficient language abilities. Through the expansion of this program, it is hoped that SMK graduates will have the courage to contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s progress on the world stage.