He made the statement during the send-off ceremony for 200 SMK students participating in overseas internship programs in Japan and Russia, held in Cilacap District, Central Java, on Tuesday (September 9).
“SMKs must produce graduates ready to work, both domestically and abroad. This international internship program is proof that our students are capable of competing and building careers at the global level,” Minister Mu’ti remarked in the ministry's written statement here on Wednesday.
He added that the government is focused on strengthening vocational education through various flagship programs.
One of the efforts is aligning SMK curricula with the needs of industry and business sectors.
“More than 500 SMKs in Indonesia have now established partnerships with international institutions. Some students have even secured internship placements before graduation. This reflects increasing trust in the quality of our vocational education,” he noted.
Mu’ti also highlighted the importance of the four-year SMK program as an innovation to prepare graduates better.
In the fourth year, students will receive training in practical skills, foreign languages, cross-cultural understanding, and soft skills needed for the workforce.
“That way, graduates can enter the job market, start businesses, or continue to higher education with readiness,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cilacap District Head Samsul Auliya Rahmat praised the government’s support for vocational education and said the overseas internship program brings pride and motivation to local students.
Meanwhile, Head of SMK Muhammadiyah Majenang, Ahmad Syarifudin, said most students are going to Japan, with one student heading to Russia, and all having completed language and industry training.
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Translator: Hana, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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