President Jokowi Applauds Bengkulu Vocational Schools in Running ‘Link and Match’ Program

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo inspect learning activities at public vocational school SMK Negeri 1 Bengkulu, Bengkulu city, Bengkulu province, Thursday (07/20). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Kris)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo Thursday (07/20) inspected learning activities at public vocational school SMK Negeri 1 Bengkulu in Bengkulu province.

On that occasion, the President expressed appreciation for the school learning program that is aligned with the industry demands.

“The learning activity shows excellent inputs. The school has also complete facilities. It already fits the link and match program as well. It is great overall,” the President said.

For the record, the link and match program was initiated by Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology aimed at improving the relevance of vocational schools with the needs of the industrial sector. The program is based on Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2016 on Revitalization of Vocational High Schools to Improve the Quality and Competitiveness of Indonesian Human Resources.

Upon arrival at around 16.05 Western Indonesian Time, the President immediately walked through the class hall to further observe the teaching and learning process at the school.

During the inspection, the President pointed out that a number of skills programs at SMK Negeri 1 Bengkulu are related to information technology (IT).

“They have varied subjects here at the school. One class has automotive subjects, while the other has IT. There are also animation, network, and visual-related subjects,” he said, adding that the school still has to improve minor deficiencies despite complete infrastructures, including school learning facilities.

The President also said that the Government would assist with other supporting facilities such as digital laser devices and order carriers.

“All is good. We will provide other assistance,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RIF/EP)