Indonesia, Switzerland cooperate on dual-system vocational education

Program combines classroom learning with industrial experience to meet industry needs

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – Indonesia and Switzerland have joined forces to implement a dual-system vocational education program. 

This initiative blends classroom learning with on-the-job training to improve the quality of human resources.

The collaboration involves Indonesia’s Industrial Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMI) and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized the program’s importance in aligning education with industry demands.

“Vocational education and training are carefully prepared to meet and anticipate industry needs in line with technological and economic developments,” Kartasasmita said.

The partnership consists of two phases. 

The first phase, completed in 2022, was extended to 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The second phase is set to run from 2024 to 2027.

BPSDMI head Masrokhan noted that the second phase could expand to include more educational units under the Ministry of Industry, broadening its impact on national education.

The Ministry of Industry currently oversees 13 vocational higher education institutions, including 11 polytechnics and two community academies, as well as nine vocational high schools and seven industrial training centers.

These institutions actively contribute to developing skilled industrial human resources, Masrokhan explained.

“The ministry’s vocational education units have been implementing the dual-system model, which has proven to be highly effective in producing work-ready professionals,” he added.

The collaboration highlights Indonesia’s commitment to improving its workforce and preparing for future industrial advancements.