Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vocational education plays a strategic role in driving a more robust economy in Indonesia, according to Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie.

As cited from her ministry's statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, Christie affirmed that vocational education is key for President Prabowo Subianto's administration to pursue its four fundamental performance indicators.

The four indicators are the creation of job opportunities, improvements in the nation's productivity, the realization of self-sufficiency in food and energy, and the implementation of technological breakthroughs.

"We should not overlook vocational education as a second-class factor. In fact, developed countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, recognize vocational education as the backbone of their economic growth," she emphasized.

She further remarked that establishing the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology as a standalone institution aims to create a more inclusive ecosystem for innovations.

On that note, the deputy minister highlighted the importance of stakeholders across sectors paying equal attention to the development of academic and vocational education.

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She added that both fundamental and applied research play critical roles in a nation's efforts to develop technological innovations.

Christie highlighted that fundamental research projects have proven instrumental in the development of GPS technology and COVID-19 vaccines, whereas applied research projects offer more straightforward economic impacts, particularly in the world of business and industries.

"We, at the Higher Education, Science, and Technology Ministry, will continue to support research conducted by vocational education institutions, including polytechnics," she emphasized.

The official subsequently referenced the Business and Industrial World (DUDI) Partner program, saying that it has shown that investments in vocational research offer higher rates of return on investment.

In light of this, she asserted the government's commitment to supporting vocational education and fostering an ecosystem conducive to scientific and technological innovations.

She noted that such an approach is expected to boost Indonesia's competitiveness on a global scale and effectively prepare for its prospective golden year in 2045.

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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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