SMK Muhammadiyah Magelang Receives Airplane Prize From Kemendikbudristek

JAKARTA - The Director-General of Vocational Education (Diction) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Wikan Sakarinto donated the KR-02 aircraft for SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Salam, Magelang, Central Java.

"Vocational students majoring in aviation if studying as prospective aircraft technicians, don't just read books, they have to hold the original aircraft directly," Wikan said in a written statement in Jakarta, Wednesday, February 2.

The two-man plane that was donated was an aircraft designed by the late Kemal Singgih and his best friend, a former glider athlete and aerospace hobbyist, Heru Rudiyanto. Kemal Singgih is the father of Wikan Sakarinto.

"This plane that was designed and built by the late father in our house may be useful for vocational schools that have a major in aviation," he said. The old type of aircraft was also donated to one of the vocational schools in Medan, North Sumatra.

"There, the school uses airplanes to train their students as prospective aircraft technicians," said Wikan.

The aircraft uses a Volkswagen (VW) engine with a fuselage construction made of wood that has been specially processed combined with light metal and fiber. In addition, the aircraft's instruments are also complete, from flying altitude gauges, speed meters, throttles, and others, so that they meet flight-worthy specifications.

"I want to continue to inspire mother, by bringing my mother to see the results of her late husband's heavy hobby, the work of our late father is now beneficial for many people, the next generation of the nation," explained Wikan at the event which was also attended by his mother.

After the handover procession, Wikan had time to try to get into the KR-02's wheelhouse, and turn on the plane's engine which made the propellers spin fast, as if they were ready to be flown. The aircraft engine and steering system are still functioning properly.

The presence of the Director-General of Wikan at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Salam was also to witness the implementation of the cooperation between the audiovisual department at the SMK and Polytron.

"This collaboration with Polytron with Vocational Schools includes a curriculum that was created together, experts from Polytron who teach at Vocational High Schools, internships for teachers and students at Polytron, practical learning equipment assistance from Polytron, and Polytron's commitment to absorb SMK graduates," explained Wikan.

In the future, cooperation between vocational education units and the business, industry, and work world will continue optimally in various regions.