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| UMM and Germany Discuss Strengthening Education Quality (Photo: Lintang Humas) |
The ongoing digital transformation and complex technology pose challenges for the current generation. Therefore, there is a need to enhance digital skills across various fields. Prof. Dr. Thomas Köhler emphasized this from the Technische Universitat Dresden, Germany. He spoke at a vocational education discussion held at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) on November 11. Various representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture and representatives from various campuses within the Muhammadiyah community and beyond were present.
Köhler further mentioned several revitalization steps that could be taken in Indonesia, particularly in vocational training and education. This includes increasing the capacity of educators and providing international exposure. Additionally, efforts to bridge the gap between the industrial world and campuses are crucial. Equally important is the implementation of policies that support these initiatives. "Enhancing the quality of education is also essential, particularly to strengthen vocational training and education in industries, sciences, and other fields," Köhler stated.
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He emphasized that Indonesia's human resources need to possess skills demanded by the international community, including proficiency in foreign languages, not just English. Harmonious relationships between educational institutions and industries must be established to ensure mutual interests are well met. "There are many aspects we can discuss together, and we are very open to that," he expressed.
On the other hand, Deputy Minister of Human Development and Culture Prof. Warsito, S.Si., DEA, Ph.D., also shared his perspective. As an effort to create competent and competitive human resources, the government has issued Presidential Regulation Number 68 of 2022 concerning the Revitalization of Vocational Education and Training. This regulation also forms the structure of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, with one of its transformations being the shift from a supply-driven approach to a demand-driven one.
"In this way, it is hoped that Indonesia can produce skilled and competent workers in line with the continuously evolving global needs," he remarked.
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Warsito continued by highlighting Indonesia's demographic bonus, where the workforce is at its highest. However, the industry and job opportunities cannot accommodate this volume. Discussions with Prof. Köhler provided new insights into this matter. Therefore, education in Indonesia should also focus on entrepreneurial competencies and apprenticeships in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create job opportunities.
Regarding the education-industry relationship concept proposed by Prof. Köhler, UMM Rector Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., offered an interesting response. He mentioned that UMM's Center of Excellence (CoE) program has long been engaging in this practice, aligning industry needs with skilled human resources.
"Thus, both parties benefit mutually, in terms of knowledge, innovation, research, careers, and more," explained Fauzan.
He also expressed UMM's readiness to collaborate with TU Dresden and various institutions in Germany. He believed the collaborative efforts could bring goodness to each campus's academic community and benefit society.
Finally, Fauzan explained UMM's successful vocational programs, especially collaborations with international industries such as Yoyokai and Daiichi for nursing, Canary for food, Zenkoku, and PT OS Selnajaya. Consequently, job opportunities have expanded. (*wil/fajr)
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