The Role of Local Governments in Vocational Education

Jakarta, 5 Februari 2024 – The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) emphasizes the role of local governments in preparing a skilled workforce through vocational education ahead of Indonesia's demographic bonus era from 2030 to 2045.

In an FMB9 discussion on Monday, Deputy of Coordination for Social Welfare Improvement at Kemenko PMK, Nunung Nuryartono, explained the issuance of Presidential Regulation Number 68 of 2022 on the Revitalization of Education and Vocational Training. This regulation is one of the government's steps to realize a skilled productive population.

"Another crucial aspect is the involvement of local governments. Don't forget that local governments are also included in the regulation of Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Number 6 of 2022 concerning the National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training. Furthermore, there is Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Regulation Number 5 of 2023 on the Establishment of Regional Coordination Teams for the Revitalization of Vocational Education and Training," said Nunung.

The revitalization of vocational education and training, besides involving the business sector and absorbing the workforce from vocational education, also requires the participation of local governments.

This is because vocational training needs to align with the potential of the region and the needs of the local job market.

Darwoto, Vice Chairman of the Labor Affairs Division at the Indonesian Employers' Association (APINDO), stated that collaboration between the government and the private sector is necessary to succeed in implementing link and match, the connection and compatibility between education and industry needs at the regional level.

"There must be collaboration; earlier, I mentioned that the government prepares the regulations, and businesses will act as guerillas. The guerilla tactics performed by APINDO include establishing vocational schools in industrial areas," he explained.

According to the Labor Force Survey by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) as of February 2023, the open unemployment rate (TPT) for high school graduates or equivalent is at 8.41 percent.

This figure is higher compared to diploma graduates at 5.59 percent and junior high school graduates at 3.85 percent.