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For The First Time In Indonesia, The Ministry Of Industry Has Launched A Steel Industry Class To Strengthen Human Resources

The basic metal industry is seeing the highest growth in the first quarter of 2024, hitting 16.57 percent. This sector ranks as the third-largest contributor to the processing industry, which includes metal goods, computers, electronics, optics, and electrical equipment. Additionally, in Q1 2024, steel product exports surged by 38.3 percent, rising from 3.81 million tons to 5.27 million tons year-on-year.

"The Ministry of Industry is committed to fostering a conducive business climate by implementing various strategic programs and policies to protect and develop the national steel industry while boosting its competitiveness," said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in a statement on Monday (August 12).

To enhance the performance of the national steel industry, one of the key initiatives by the Ministry of Industry is vocational education and training aimed at producing skilled industrial workforce. This role is carried out by the Human Resource Development Agency for Industry (BPSDMI) through several vocational education units, including vocational high schools, polytechnics, community academies, and Industrial Training Centers (BDI) located across various regions in Indonesia.

"The promising prospects for the steel industry in Indonesia require a large pool of skilled labor. Therefore, PT Krakatau Posco is partnering with the Ministry of Industry's vocational high school, SMK-SMTI Yogyakarta, to develop top-notch industrial steel talent through the establishment of the Industrial Steel Technology Class. This class is the first of its kind in Indonesia," said Wulan Aprilianti Permatasari, Head of the Center for Industrial Vocational Education Development (PPVI).

The collaboration between PT Krakatau Posco and SMK-SMTI Yogyakarta is part of a cooperation agreement signed by both parties on November 9, 2023.

For the first batch, there are 20 students in the class who passed the selection for the New Student Admission (PPDB), with direct involvement from PT Krakatau POSCO in the selection process. Wulan mentioned that the highlight of the Steel Industry Technology Class is the guaranteed internship and job opportunities at PT Krakatau POSCO. The curriculum and teaching staff collaborate closely with the company. "In addition to subjects essential for the steel industry, students will also learn Korean to prepare for their internships," she said. SMK-SMTI Yogyakarta is a vocational school owned by the Ministry of Industry, focusing on training skilled workers in industrial technology. The school offers three areas of expertise: Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, and Mechatronics Engineering. "Trained to become competent human resources during their education, graduates from SMK-SMTI Yogyakarta are highly sought after by the industry. Out of 272 graduates in 2023, 217 have already found jobs, while 55 chose to continue their studies," Wulan explained. Previously, the school has partnered with various local and international organizations, including PT Amerta Indah Otsuka, Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute, Toyota Boshoku Ina, PT Siemens, PT TMMIN, and more. "We hope this collaboration with Krakatau Posco continues and meets the company's expectations. Looking ahead, SMK-SMTI Yogyakarta aims to replicate this program to fulfill the industry's human resource needs in other technical sectors," Wulan concluded.

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Tag: Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita BPSDMI Krakatau Posco Ministry Of Industry PPVI