Govt to Build 500 Vocational Schools

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto has said the Government has set a target of building 500 vocational schools by 2024.

The development of human resources could directly affect the country's economy, the minister said here on Friday, adding that the National Mid Term Development Plan (RPJMN) will focus on the development of human resources.

The construction of 500 new vocational schools will involve the Government and the private sector, and it will be at the high school, as well as the higher education levels, according to him.

"Hence, it's not only the Government, because we will also encourage industries to set up vocational schools and polytechnics. They are capable of and interested in setting up vocational education because they need human resources. The Industry Ministry has developed four vocational schools and polytechnics but the President has asked for the massive development of vocational education," he remarked.

President Director of PT Astra International Tbk Prijono Sugiarto has said Polman Astra Cikarang is the first vocational higher education college in Bekasi District, West Java Province.

Polman Astra does not only focus on the study program, but also develops competence certifications, such as the German Meister (master craftsman) certification in the automotive field.

"The Meister certification in Polman Astra in the first in Asia. We are indeed serious in developing this vocation. Some 60 percent of the graduates have been absorbed by Astra," he said.

ANTARA