Indonesia’s Kemdiktisaintek, FPTVI partner Guangdong association to boost vocational talent

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) is moving to strengthen vocational higher education by initiating a partnership between the Indonesian Vocational Higher Education Forum (FPTVI) and the Guangdong Education Association for International Exchange (GEAIE).

“This memorandum of understanding is a strategic opportunity for vocational higher education. We hope it will be implemented in concrete ways so that it truly benefits the public,” said Beny Bandanadjaja, director of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa) at Kemdiktisaintek, in an official statement released in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said the cooperation is intended to help vocational higher education produce professional talent with global competitiveness.

He added that vocational education must be able to produce graduates who are competent, professional and confident, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to society and contributing to national development.

FPTVI chairman Muhammad Restu said the memorandum of understanding could serve as an entry point for Indonesian polytechnics to become key players in the global market.

“It is our responsibility to accelerate this memorandum of understanding into concrete programs. Polytechnic graduates who have the opportunity to receive training or internships in Guangdong will find the next stepping stone to enter the global market,” he said.

One of the key points in the memorandum of understanding is the implementation of a cooperation program described as $1+10+100+1,000=10,000$.

The scheme includes the establishment of one cooperation center and alliance mechanism focusing on 10 priority industry sectors, the organization of more than 100 exchange and learning activities, two-way mobility for 1,000 students between Indonesia and China, and training for 10,000 local Indonesian talents.

The cooperation will be carried out through the Lingnan Artisan Polytechnic collaboration project, with the main goal of promoting vocational education development, skills training and talent cultivation.

The Lingnan Artisan Polytechnic collaboration project is viewed as a strategic and practical step for Indonesian polytechnics to broaden their global reach, as the cooperation also covers key industrial sectors through the integration of industry, education and research, as well as talent development, including two-way talent exchanges, joint education programs and capacity building for educators.

Previously, the Lingnan Artisan Polytechnic collaboration project held an education exhibition in Padang, West Sumatra. The event was attended by more than 11 polytechnics from Guangdong, and it was considered successful enough to be continued in other parts of Indonesia.

In addition to practice-based learning, the cooperation also offers certification programs and language training. With support from the $1+10+100+1,000+10,000$ scheme, Indonesian polytechnics are expected to gain a stronger foothold in the global labor market.

This, in turn, is expected to encourage “brain circulation”, as participants bring home experience and knowledge to Indonesia.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara