5 Key Aspects for Building a Vocational Education Ecosystem
Cris Kuntadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker), outlined five key aspects for building a vocational education ecosystem that aligns with labor market needs.
These five aspects encompass competence and character, adaptability to technology, learning infrastructure, institutional governance, and the benefits graduates bring to the labor market and society.
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“We cannot simply churn out skilled graduates. We must develop individuals with integrity, discipline, competence, and a strong work ethic,” said Cris during his academic address—titled “Nava Karya Dalam Nusa Diri: Transforming Vocational Human Resources Towards Sustainable Employment”—at the open senate session marking the 9th anniversary of the Manpower Polytechnic (Polteknaker) in Jakarta.
Cris likened vocational education to a growing tree. A tree cannot be strong based solely on its trunk and branches; it requires strong roots to survive and continue to thrive.
“A tree’s roots form the invisible foundation, yet they determine the tree’s strength,” Cris noted.
According to Cris, these roots represent competence and character. Students must possess skills relevant to their field while also demonstrating integrity, responsibility, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
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However, strong roots alone are not enough; the tree must also continue to grow. The same applies to vocational graduates: they must be prepared for changes in the labor market, particularly rapid technological advancements. “Technology is constantly changing. That is why graduates of vocational training programs must be able to continue learning throughout their lives,” said Cris.
The ability to keep learning also requires an adequate learning environment. A robust learning infrastructure is therefore crucial.
Physical and digital facilities are needed to support the learning process and expand access to high-quality vocational education.
In addition to facilities, educational institutions require sound management. Good governance ensures that educational resources are deployed effectively and responsibly, prioritizing transparency and accountability.
Ultimately, vocational education must yield tangible results once graduates enter the labor market. The value graduates bring to the workforce and society is therefore a critical factor in the success of vocational education.
“Ultimately, the success of vocational education is measured not merely by the number of graduates, but above all by the extent of their contributions,” Cris stated.
Cris hopes that the 9th-anniversary milestone will serve as a catalyst for Polteknaker to continue improving the quality of its education and aligning it with labor market needs.
“I hope Polteknaker can produce graduates with high levels of competence, strong character, and competitiveness, enabling them to contribute to the transformation of Indonesia’s workforce,” he concluded. ***REL
