In a statement issued on Sunday, Deputy Minister Fauzan said applied higher education must help address development challenges and prepare talent aligned with industry demand.
“Vocational institutions play a crucial role in producing skilled workers and innovations capable of meeting industry and societal needs,” he said.
Fauzan said strengthening vocational education had become increasingly important as Indonesia seeks to improve workforce competitiveness.
Statistics Indonesia data showed the open unemployment rate stood at 4.68 percent in February 2026, while gross higher education enrollment reached 32.89 percent.
“These figures show there is still room for vocational institutions to expand access while producing graduates whose skills match labor market demand,” he said.
Statistics Indonesia data also showed machinery and mechanical equipment imports reached US$10.75 billion between January and April 2025.
Fauzan said strengthening applied higher education was therefore a strategic step toward building domestic technological capacity.
“Campuses produce the nation's best talent and research. We want research results not only published academically but also used to solve societal challenges,” he said.
According to Fauzan, achieving Indonesia's Golden Indonesia 2045 vision requires long-term investment in education, science and technology.
He added that universities must also build character by promoting integrity, discipline and strong work ethics among younger generations.
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Translator: Sean, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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