Gov’t Aims to Build 2,000 Community-based Vocational Training Centers Next Year

President Joko “Jokowi” inspects one of workshop spots during the inauguration of the Community-based Vocational Training Center (BLK), at Al-Fadllu Islamic boarding school 2 Kendal, Central Java Province, Monday (30/12). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)

Competition among countries today – in terms of economic competition and human competition – are so tight, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“If both economy and human resources in a country cannot compete on a global scale, the country will be left behind by other countries,” President Jokowi said in his introductory remarks during the inauguration of the Community-based Vocational Training Center (BLK) at Al-Fadllu Islamic boarding school 2 Kendal, Central Java Province, Monday (30/12).

According to the President, the Indonesian Government does not want Indonesia to be left behind. So far, he added, the country’s economy remains positive and stable with growth of more than 5% in the midst of global economic turmoil, while other countries have experienced a crisis that can lead to a recession.

“Alhamdulillah. We should be thankful for that. Other countries’ economies have slowed from 7% to 1.5%, from 4% to 0.5%, or from 10% to 6%,” the President said.

Regarding human capital, President Jokowi continued, all countries are improving the quality of its human resources, including their skills and competencies. “All countries are also honing vocational skills,” he added.

The President cited an example of many banks and financial institutions that need many skilled workers in IT sectors but the demands have not been met due to lack of trainings in the IT fields.

Therefore, The BLK, he added, is expected to increase the number of skilled workers and provide more supply to the labor market.

President Jokowi further said that the Government has started the program with the formation of 50 BLKs in 2017, then it was increased by 75 BLKs in 2018, and 1,000 BLKs this year.

“It will be doubled to 2,000 community-based vocational training centers next year,” the President said, adding that the program is also expected to provide competent human resources from Islamic boarding schools across the country.

“If the program runs well and the goals can be achieved, the Government will establish up to 4,000 BLKs in 2021 since we still have 29 thousand Islamic boarding schools across the country,” the President said. (MAY/RAH/ES)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas