Ganjar Increases The Human Development Index Through The Central Java SMKN Program

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (Source: Special)

GROBOGAN - Governor of Central Java (Central Java) Ganjar Pranowo seeks to increase the Human Development Index (HDI) through the free Central Java Vocational School program for students from underprivileged families.

"We want to raise our HDI to be much better, so there is access to education, especially for the poor," said Ganjar when met at the City Green Park, Grobogan Regency, Central Java, quoted on Saturday, June 17.

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Central Java's HDI in 2022 reached 72.79, up from the previous year which was 72.16. The increase in HDI occurred in all components, both health quality, education, and adjusted per capita expenditure.

Instead of paying dearly, Central Java Vocational High School is free and intended for poor students whose parents are unable to pay for school.

Students who enter through the selection will be forged education and stay in the dormitory. Everything is free of charge, ranging from registration, uniforms, shoes, school equipment, dormitories, to daily meals.

"The Central Java SMK has now started to become an idol, people have started to flock by several people. I want to leave one child to me. Sorry, you can't please take the test. This is what requires special conditions and we can't accommodate everything," said Ganjar.

Currently, Ganjar said that the Central Java Provincial Government continues to widen access to free education by adding 15 semi-boarding SMKN in various regencies/cities.

The 15 schools include SMKN 1 Demak, SMKN 2 Rembang, SMKN 1 Wirosari Grobogan, SMKN 1 Jepon Blora, SMKN 1 Tulung Klaten, SMKN 1 Kedawung Sragen, SMKN 2 Wonogiri, SMKN 1 Purworejo, SMKN 2 Wonosobo, SMKN 1 Punggelan Banjarnegara, SMKN 1 Alian Kebumen, SMKN 2 Cilacap, SMKN 1 Kalibagor Banyumas, SMKN 1 Tonjong Brebes, and SMKN 1 Randudongkal Pemalang.

"Now we add 15 (semi boarding), because we want to distribute more access to children's education which has good potential," said Ganjar.

Ganjar is committed to continuing to provide the best facilities for all people in terms of education, especially students from underprivileged families. Ganjar hopes that the enthusiasm of children's learning will be higher.

"Children have a high enthusiasm for learning, the methods are quite good, and the relationship with the industry is also okay. So at least the world of work is ready to accept them," concluded Ganjar.

Since 2014, now the vocational school with the concept of boarding has graduated 1,837 students. As many as 80 percent of them are absorbed in the world of work and universities, both at the national and foreign levels.

The Central Java Education and Culture Office recorded graduates consisting of 3 Central Java Vocational Schools. Namely SMKN Central Java Semarang 825 graduates, SMKN Central Java Pati 336 graduates, and 676 graduates of SMKN Central Java Purbalingga.