President Jokowi Appreciates High School Free Education Program in C. Java
President Jokowi observes learning and teaching activities at state vocational high school SMKN Jateng in Semarang city, Central Java province, Wednesday (08/30). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo lauded provincial government of Central Java for providing free education for underprivileged people.
“First, it is great. Children coming from underprivileged family can attend school for free. In fact, their school necessities will be paid for by the provincial government, including school uniforms, shoes, and also food since they will attend a boarding school,” he told journalists after observing learning and teaching activities at state vocational high school SMKN Jawa Tengah in Semarang city, Central Java province, Wednesday (08/30).
The Head of State also appreciated SMKN Jawa Tengah for providing excellent school facilities which have been adjusted to the needs of the industry.
“If I compare it to vocational high schools in other provinces, this school is better. It has various machineries from basic machines to CNC (computer numerical control). The facilities have also been linked to the industry,” he added.
In addition, SMKN Jawa Tengah also provides Japanese language course to prepare the students for scholarship in Japan. According to the President, scholarship can contribute to resolve poverty issue.
In this regard, President Jokowi asserted that he will order Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim to visit SMKN Jawa Tengah and conduct an evaluation. He expressed belief that the learning activities applied in SMKN Jawa Tengah can also be applied nationally in all schools in Indonesia.
After visiting SMK Jawa Tengah, President Jokowi and the entourage are slated to head to Palu, Central Sulawesi province via Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport for a working visit.
In Palu, he is scheduled to inaugurate the 13th National Congress (Mahasabha) of the Indonesian Hindu Students Association (KMHDI) in Tadulako University. He will also visit Masomba Market to monitor staple food prices and distribute social assistance to market vendors before returning to Jakarta. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RAS/LW)
