The ministry's Head of the Industrial Human Resources Development Agency, Masrokhan, stated on Thursday that 73.8 percent of 5,187 graduates from vocational schools under the ministry's auspices, which include 11 polytechnics, two community academies, and nine vocational schools, were absorbed into the industrial sector in 2024.
"They are mostly absorbed by industry, continue their studies, or become entrepreneurs," he noted in a statement.
Masrokhan stated that approximately 26.2 percent of other graduates experience a waiting period of up to six months after graduation before securing a job, with assistance from the ministry's educational units.
His office recorded that in the 2024 Industrial Vocational Admissions (JARVIS), the total number of applicants reached 60,179, with an acceptance capacity of 4,121 students.
Vocational schools under the ministry received 23,559 registrants, with 2,722 new students accepted.
Masrokhan noted that students from vocational schools under the ministry's auspices are also capable of competing on a global scale.
For instance, students from SMK-SMKTI Pontianak vocational school achieved a remarkable feat by ranking in the top 16 of the Industry 4.0 category at the World Skill Competition in Lyon, France.
In addition, students from ATI Makassar Polytechnic secured first place in the 2024 Line Follower World Robotic Center Competition held in Malaysia, while students from the ATI Padang Polytechnic triumphed in the 2024 Business Pitching Competition at the Management and Science University Malaysia.
Masrokhan stated that earlier in 2024, the ministry also held an education and training program attended by 33,984 participants.
This education and training program represents a tangible commitment to developing competent, globally competitive industrial human resources (HR).
"Superior and competent HR can answer all the future problems and challenges," Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said.
Therefore, he added, the ministry recognizes the critical role of human resources in building a strong and competitive industry.
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Translator: Ahmad Muzdaffar, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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