Jakarta, April 22, 2022 --- The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) through the Directorate General of Vocational Education (Ditjen Diksi) is once again implementing a competitive fund scheme aimed at accelerating the transformation of vocational higher education to become more responsive in meeting the need for skilled and qualified workers in industry and increasing the participation of industrial partners.
Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Anwar Makarim explained that 113 study programs have been transformed from diploma level to applied bachelor's degree through the submission of permits for the opening of study programs. Minister Nadiem also explained that the program launched is a continuation of the 2021 Vocational Competitive Fund .
"The involvement of industry and professional partners has resulted in 464 link-and-match collaborations in curriculum alignment, student internships, teaching practitioners, and graduate recruitment that aligns with industry needs," Nadiem added in his virtual remarks at the 2022 Vocational Competitive Fund Program Socialization event in Tangerang on Thursday (April 21).
Link and match collaboration is essential to help vocational students prepare for the challenges of the working world. Therefore, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology is implementing the 2022 Vocational Training Center (CF Vokasi), which will further accelerate the transformation of vocational education.
"We will distribute this funding assistance through four schemes. Scheme A is for the transformation of diploma-3 study programs into applied bachelor's study programs, scheme B is for the acceleration of fast-track diploma-2 study programs, scheme C is for strengthening applied bachelor's study programs and fast-track diploma-2 study programs resulting from the transformation and acceleration in 2021 that have obtained a Decree from the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology regarding study program opening permits, and scheme D is intended for strengthening applied bachelor's study programs and regular diploma-2 study programs that already have graduates and have implemented good practices of the Internal Quality Assurance System," explained the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Vocational Education, Wikan Sakarinto, emphasized that the transformation of vocational education is not only about the quantity of graduates, but also about the quality of graduates. Internship programs and project-based learning are expected to strengthen soft skills .
Agung, a representative from Indorama Engineering Polytechnic, asked about the proposed transition from a diploma-3 to an applied bachelor's degree. "Does the university propose the transition or does the study program?" Agung asked in a Q&A forum.
"The universities are the ones proposing the scheme, although the study program teams will be the ones to draft it. It would be better if the universities proposed the scheme with a central coordinating team to facilitate coordination from the center," said Zenurianto, a member of the Expert Team.
Zenurianto also emphasized that this competitive fund invites universities providing vocational education to immediately register and submit proposals for the 2022 Vocational CF. Participation in this program is key to realizing quality vocational education and meeting the demands of the times.*** (Aurellia.B/ Nurul.L./ Dian V./ Lydia A./ Seno H.)
