Thousand Islands, Jakarta, Ministry of Education and Culture — Being far from downtown Jakarta doesn't limit the opportunities students at SMK Negeri 61 Jakarta can pursue overseas employment. From Tidung Island, in the Thousand Islands, this vocational school has successfully sent dozens of its graduates to work in Japan through various training programs and partnerships with industry.
Since 2020, 28 graduates of SMKN 61 Jakarta have worked in Japan. This year, the school is preparing another 10 students for a similar program, supported by training and assistance from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen).
The principal of SMKN 61 Jakarta, Firdaus, said that the school continues to expand job opportunities for graduates, both at home and abroad, such as in Japan and Taiwan.
"This year, we're targeting 10 students. We also have support from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. So, thanks to this assistance, it will be easier for students to travel abroad," Firdaus said on Thursday (June 25).
According to Firdaus, the process is carried out in collaboration with a job training center before continuing with a partner company in Japan. This also ensures the protection of Indonesian workers who will be working abroad.
Graduates of SMKN 61 Jakarta work in a variety of fields according to industry needs, from agribusiness and fisheries to construction. These jobs don't always have to align with the skills learned in school, but rather are tailored to the company's needs.
To prepare students, the school provides training starting in 12th grade, including Japanese language training. Interestingly, this training is led by teachers with experience working in Japan, so students not only learn the language but also understand the work culture and life in their host country.
"When we entered the training period, Japanese language learning was intensified. Coincidentally, those from within were teachers who had already worked in Japan," said Firdaus.
Currently, SMKN 61 Jakarta has 348 students. Most come from mainland Jakarta, while the remainder are residents of the Thousand Islands. The school offers five programs: Merchant Marine Nautical Engineering, Merchant Marine Engineering, Fishing Vessel Nautical Engineering, Marine and Brackishwater Fisheries Agribusiness, and Culinary Arts.
During the school visit, students were shown various practical learning facilities. Teachers and students demonstrated the use of ship communication and navigation equipment, monitoring ship traffic via radar, and simulating the operation of a ship's engine.
These various practical facilities are part of competency-based learning designed to equip students with the skills needed in the workplace. From a school on Tidung Island, graduates demonstrate that location is no barrier to competing and achieving international success. (Author: Stephanie/Photographer: Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Team)
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