economy

Kemenperin Launches First International Industrial Vocational Class In Japan

The Ministry of Industry is actively working to strengthen collaboration with international partners to develop skilled human resources in the industrial sector. This strategic effort includes launching international vocational classes in Japan. "Indonesia and Japan support each other and both benefit from cooperation in the industrial sector. Japan has a long history of aiding Indonesia's industrialization by bringing manufacturing investments into the country," said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday (10/9). Masrohan, the head of the Industrial Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDMI), explained that the vocational classes in Japan are a follow-up to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation Agreement between BPSDMI and two Japanese industry partners, Morimitsu Industry Co., LTD and Asia Africa Research Consulting and Investment (AAI) Co. Morimitsu Industry Co., LTD focuses on shipbuilding and pipe processing and welding, while AAI Co., LTD is involved in sustainable development business initiatives in Asia and Africa, including Indonesia. "Forty students from the ATI Makassar Polytechnic, which is under the Ministry of Industry, will be sent to Japan for a year of hands-on training. Starting September 24, 2024, they will study to enhance their Japanese language and culture skills, design competencies, and welding skills equivalent to a D4 program. After the year of training, they will sign a four-year work contract in Japan and receive a Japanese standard competency certificate," he shared. Initially, about 18 of those 40 students will head to Japan for a month to get acquainted with technology that meets Japanese standards.

There’s also going to be a month-long training for lecturers, along with discussions aimed at strengthening the curriculum to meet the expected competencies. Masrokhan is optimistic that BPSDMI Kemenperin, through its educational unit, Politeknik ATI Makassar, can provide skilled industrial workforce for both partner companies via internship programs, especially in welding. "To produce top-notch industrial talent, we have several vocational education units specializing in the industrial sector, including 11 polytechnics, two community academies, and nine vocational high schools spread across various cities in Indonesia. These educational units have a high absorption rate in the industry," he explained. Muhammad Basri, the director of Politeknik ATI Makassar, mentioned that this collaboration is a real implementation of the dual system curriculum practiced at the institution. This means students not only learn on campus but also get hands-on experience in the industry for two semesters. "One of the competencies our students have that catches the eye of companies in Japan is welding, due to the shortage of welders there, especially in the shipbuilding industry. This is a great opportunity for our students to meet that demand," he said. To prepare students for Japan, Politeknik ATI Makassar will equip them not just with the necessary skills but also with language abilities and knowledge of Japanese work culture. The international vocational industry class program will be officially launched on September 17, 2024.

Tag: First International Industrial Vocational Japan Kemenperin