Minim Work Distribution, P2G Requests New SMK Permit to Be Tightened

Head of Advocacy of the Association of Education and Teachers (P2G) Iman Zanatul Haeri considers it difficult for Vocational High School (SMK) graduates to find jobs due to a number of fundamental problems in the vocational education system.

Iman said that there were at least three main factors that made many SMK graduates find it difficult to be absorbed into the world of work. First, not all SMK are able to prepare a job distribution channel for their graduates.

Second, the competencies taught in schools are often not in line with industry needs. Third, government support in helping to place SMK graduates is still minimal.

"Many SMK graduates end up finding their own jobs because they are not supported by schools or the government," said Iman, Sunday, December 21.

To overcome this problem, P2G encourages the government to impose a moratorium on new SMK establishment permits. According to Iman, this policy is needed so that the government is more careful in granting permits, so that the establishment of SMK really considers the readiness of job distribution for its graduates.

"This moratorium is important so that SMK is not established, but it is not clear where the graduates will go," he said.

He gave an example, the relatively more successful SMK is a vocational school established directly by industry. This model is considered safer because from the beginning it has certainty of the labor market.

"SMK that is established by industry usually already knows their labor needs. Therefore, they build their own schools, and their graduates are immediately absorbed," he said.

Apart from the moratorium, Iman assessed that the government needed to increase assistance to vocational schools, especially those that are relevant to technological developments and current industry needs. He said that there are still many vocational schools that receive equipment assistance, but the condition is not in accordance with the needs.

"In technical vocational schools, we often find incomplete machine assistance or outdated technology," he said.

Iman hopes that vocational education policy improvements can be carried out comprehensively so that SMK graduates have relevant skills and more certain job opportunities.