Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspecting State Vocational High School SMKN Jawa Tengah in Semarang City, Central Java Province, August 30, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I think it is such an excellent initiative from Central Java Governor who turned this skill training center (BLK) into a vocational high school (SMK), particularly for underprivileged students. 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. Very good.

Second, I also notice the facilities; 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 for providing excellent school facilities which have been adjusted to the needs of the industry.

The school also provides Japanese language course to prepare the students for scholarship in Japan. It’s really good. It can contribute to resolve poverty issue. I will order Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to visit SMKN Jawa Tengah and conduct an evaluation. The program can also be applied nationally in all schools in Indonesia for students from underprivileged families.

Journalist

So it can be applied nationally?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, in the near future. The Education Minister should visit this school first. In my opinion, it can be applied nationally. The Minister must come to SMK Semarang and we will make a decision later. Nevertheless, I think it is great.

Journalist

How will the graduates get jobs, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The link, as I have mentioned before. I think if the school has facilities, including machineries starting from basic machines to CNC, then industry will wait to employ the graduates. Many graduates work in Japan and other countries.

Journalist

May I ask about other issue, Sir? Regarding the acting governor…

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Which governor?

Journalist

Acting Governor of Central Java, to replace Mr. Ganjar?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, not yet. I have not received the proposal. It will use TPA [final assessment team] mechanism. Maybe I will receive the document within this week, at the latest. Then, we will decide. So, if you asked me who will be the acting governor, I don’t know yet.

Journalist

How about the development of pollution reduction in Jakarta?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It requires our joint efforts. Everyone must participate. Shift from private vehicle to public transportation, mass transportation. Planting trees in offices where no trees planted in the yard is an obligation. We have also conducted weather modification, TMC (Weather Modification Technology) [operation]. Those are our efforts.

Journalist

Will WFH (Work from Home) be applied once again, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, WFH will be applied. We also monitor the industry, PLTU (Steam-Electric Power Station), check emission of motorcycles, cars, and other vehicle. I think it indeed needs hard work, cooperation and it also takes time. It cannot be done in a night, including the use of electric vehicles. We have many things to do to resolve this problem and it will be done gradually.

Journalist

Will there sanctions imposed to industries that are not complying with the regulation?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Of course. Based on yesterday’s meeting, we can close them if they don’t fix it or use scrubber.  It is because being healthy is expensive. Thank you.

(RAS/LW)