SMKN Program In Central Java Needs To Be Nationalized

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Rusman

JAKARTA - August 30 yesterday, Ganjar Pranowo accompanied President Joko Widodo to review the Central Java State Vocational School (SMKN Jateng). The free vocational school initiative and the ideas of Ganjar Pranowo since 2014 are intended for students from underprivileged families.

SMKN Central Java was previously a Job Training Center (BLK) which was later converted into a vocational school. This vocational school has complete facilities and infrastructure such as the existence of classrooms, practice rooms and equipment.

Jokowi said that SMKN Central Java is much better than vocational schools in other provinces. If I look at vocational schools in other provinces, this is also much better. The machines, to CNC (Computer Numerical Control), all basic machines, to CNC are all there.," said Jokowi.

The initiative in the form of a State Vocational School development program has been carried out in two other areas, namely Pati and Purbalingga. The 3 Central Java Vocational High Schools have graduated 1,837 students since 2014. Link and Match patterns are also used in the form of cooperation with many companies.

This collaboration allows graduates to be directly absorbed into the world of work and scholarship facilities to study abroad. The Central Java SMKN program is a good initiative to improve the quality of the workforce and anticipate industrial needs.

Boedi Rheza, a CYPR researcher, said that ideas like this should have been carried out by other governors for a long time since regional autonomy was implemented. Regional autonomy allows regional heads to make initiatives and innovations similar.

He also expressed his appreciation for what Ganjar Pranowo did. I think the program carried out by Mr. Ganjar Pranowo is a step forward in the world of education. Not all governors can think about initiatives like this.' he said.

He also said that this program could be replicated in other areas, especially those with high unemployment rates.

The business world really needs reliable and quality workers. Do not let companies or industries want to do business but be confused about finding the right workforce. In the end, they took the technology from outside the region," he added.

He also said that do not let local residents not enjoy the presence of the industry in their area because of the low quality of local workers.

The link and match patterns used to distribute graduates to be able to work directly also get support from researchers who are concerned about population issues.

"What Mr. Ganjar Pranowo has done, by using links and matches with industry, can accelerate the distribution of graduates and not increase unemployment." he added.

In addition to the 3 schools that have been established, Ganjar Pranowo has added 15 semi-boarding vocational schools spread across 15 districts to accommodate excellent students from poor families. These 15 schools are called Semi Boarding Vocational Schools because 30 students who pass the selection can study with regular students even though they live in dormitories.

This program should be replicated in other areas. It all depends on the political will of the Regional Head to advance the world of education and improve the quality of the workforce. Without a strong political will, it is impossible for programs like this to be implemented. I think, at the governor's level, only Mr. Ganjar Pranowo has good initiatives like this." he said.