Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to continue cooperation in the area of vocational education development to produce competent human resources (HR) to meet the requirements of the industrial era 4.0.

"We want the program that was implemented to still be continued. In fact, we are targeting even more participants," Head of the Industrial Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMI) of the Ministry of Industry Eko S. A. Cahyanto noted in his statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

This year, the Ministry of Industry has facilitated training for principals and teachers of vocational high schools (SMK) at the Singapore Institute of Technical Education (ITE), as a follow-up of the vocational education program between SMKs and industries in several regions.

"The training, conducted by the Ministry of Industry, is the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Temasek Foundation and ITE Educational Service (ITEES) in order to revitalize the SMKs," he noted.

In its implementation, the ITEES has offered technical and vocational education (TVET) training to 74 vocational teachers. "They are offered a program to hone technical skills in the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial automation," Eko stated.

Moreover, a program of the Leaders Training Workshop (LTW) was held for 25 principals of vocational high schools to enhance the abilities of teachers and vocational school management to manage TVET units in Indonesia in a professional manner.

"In future, we want Batam to become the training center to support the surrounding industries, especially those based on high technology," he expounded.

Moreover, Eko noted that Batam has an area that focuses on developing the mainstay sector in the application of industry 4.0, such as electronics companies.

"Obviously, if there are facilities and competent human resources, it will draw investors. For instance, Batam is currently the hub of growth of the smartphone industry in Indonesia," he pointed out.

Furthermore, the industry ministry will utilize Bintan as a center for the development of human resources supporting the maintenance and repair services industry (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul/MRO) for aircraft in the country.

"Later, we will encourage polytechnics to support the MRO industry," he stated.
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Translator: Sella P/ Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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