Indonesia develops new vocational school models to curb unemployment

..these schools could focus on regional commodities and economic potential, including coffee, patchouli, marine resources, batik, and music.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is developing several vocational high school (SMK) models to reduce graduate unemployment by strengthening students' skills and aligning vocational education with labor market needs.

Speaking at a send-off event for SMK graduates preparing to undertake internships and work abroad, which was monitored online from Jakarta on Thursday, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti said one of the initiatives under development was the SMK 3+1 Program.

Under the model, students complete the standard three-year vocational high school curriculum and may opt for an additional year of specialized training to prepare for employment overseas.

"This is a breakthrough that directly proves vocational school graduates are capable and ready to work anywhere in the world," Mu'ti said.

He explained that the program would give students additional opportunities to prepare for international employment by acquiring skills suited to their chosen career fields.

The ministry is also developing a four-year SMK model in partnership with businesses and industries. Mu'ti described the approach as a "tailor-made" vocational education framework designed to meet specific company requirements.

Under the model, schools partner with designated companies, enabling students to combine classroom instruction with hands-on industry training.

The ministry expects the approach to help graduates develop competencies that match employers' needs and improve their employment prospects after graduation. Another initiative involves establishing vocational schools based on the economic and natural strengths of local regions, equipping students with skills relevant to their communities' resources and industries.

According to Mu'ti, these schools could focus on regional commodities and economic potential, including coffee, patchouli, marine resources, batik, and music.

He said the development of these varied SMK models was part of the ministry's response to criticism over high unemployment among vocational school graduates.

By linking vocational education with industry needs, overseas employment opportunities, and local economic potential, the ministry aims to make SMK programs more relevant to the labor market and expand graduates' employment opportunities.

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Translator: Hana Dewi, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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