According to him, the agricultural SMK development program can be directed to prepare graduates who are competent, have an entrepreneurial mindset, are proficient in modern agricultural technology, and are sensitive to sustainability issues.
"The food sector will undergo fundamental changes over the next five to ten years, and this must be anticipated, especially through vocational education and SMKs in the food sector," Latipulhayat said in Jakarta on Thursday.
He expounded on the changes, stating that the food sector will become increasingly data- and technology-driven; food systems will move toward sustainability; and food supply chains will become shorter and more locally based.
Furthermore, the regeneration of food sector players will become a crucial issue, and food with high economic value will be considered part of national resilience.
To face these changes, he continued, several things must be adapted immediately, such as transforming competencies toward food technology and agricultural technology.
Apart from that, developing learning based on real-world problems and production projects, strengthening green skills competencies, aligning SMKs with regional potential, and transforming the roles of teachers and industry partnerships are also deemed essential.
"Indonesia's food security is not only determined by land and technology, but also by the quality of human resources capable of managing it," he asserted.
The deputy minister added that agricultural SMKs are a strategic national investment to maintain food availability, increase product competitiveness, and ensure the sustainability of the food sector.
In this regard, he expressed hope that all stakeholders can take concrete steps to strengthen vocational education in the food sector.
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Translator: Hana Dewi, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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