The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is intensifying efforts to boost the development of Indonesia’s petrochemical industry to address rising domestic demand.

Petrochemical products serve as essential raw materials for various manufacturing sectors such as plastics, textiles, synthetic rubber, cosmetics, cleaning products, and pharmaceuticals.

“Petrochemical is the mother of industry. It serves as the main pillar in developing various downstream industries in Indonesia. By building the petrochemical industry, we strengthen and deepen Indonesia’s manufacturing structure, making it more competitive,” said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in an official statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 14.

One of Kemenperin’s key strategies is to support the development of refineries to enhance upstream capabilities in the petrochemical sector.

These facilities are expected to optimize the production of naphtha, a critical raw material for many industries.

Refinery development is also aimed at supporting import substitution policies, increasing added value and investment, and expanding employment opportunities.

“This refinery development not only supports the government’s downstreaming vision but also becomes a game changer in driving the growth of Indonesia’s petrochemical industry,” Agus said.

Skilled Workforce Prepared Through Vocational Collaboration

Kemenperin is also prioritizing the development of a competent, job-ready workforce to support the petrochemical sector’s growth.

This effort is carried out through the Industrial Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMI), which oversees the Petrochemical Industry Polytechnic of Banten, a vocational institution focused on petrochemicals.

In May, the polytechnic renewed its partnership with Chandra Asri Group to enhance industrial workforce competencies.

The collaboration covers curriculum development, provision of practical tools, internship opportunities, and teaching by industry professionals.

“We continue to cultivate new partnerships between Kemenperin’s vocational education units and various partners, especially from the private sector and international collaborators, to increase the competence and competitiveness of the national industrial workforce,” said BPSDMI Head Masrokhan.

Chandra Asri Supports Education in Operational Areas

Chandra Asri Group affirmed its commitment to providing practical, industry-focused education in its operational region of Cilegon.

“Through strategic cooperation with the Petrochemical Industry Polytechnic of Banten, we hope to directly contribute to the supply of skilled labor who will later drive industrial growth, especially in the petrochemical sector,” said Edi Rivai, Director of Legal, External Affairs, and Circular Economy at Chandra Asri Group.

Industry-Based Curriculum Ensures Graduate Readiness

The Director of the Polytechnic, Supardi, stated that the Ministry ensures the competence of students through practical learning tailored to industry needs.

“Support from industry partners such as Chandra Asri Group plays an important role in shaping industry-based curricula, increasing practitioner involvement in teaching, facilitating student internships, and providing adequate laboratory equipment as a real implementation of the link-and-match concept between vocational education and the petrochemical sector,” Supardi said.

Since 2022, the polytechnic has trained 451 students to become skilled workers ready for petrochemical companies, including Chandra Asri Group.

In 2025, it will graduate its first cohort of 124 students, with 33 percent already placed at Chandra Asri Group and the rest fully absorbed by other companies.

Strong Applicant Interest Signals Sector Potential

By 2025, a total of 244 students from areas near Chandra Asri operations had participated in entrance preparation classes for the polytechnic.

The 2025 intake through the Industrial Vocational Admission Route (JARVIS) for Achievement and Independent tracks attracted 7,139 applicants.

To date, 144 industry partner-sponsored candidates are set to begin their studies with employment contracts already in place.

Kemenperin has also opened registration for new students through the JARVIS Bersama program at 9 vocational high schools, 2 industrial community academies, and 11 industrial polytechnics, including the Petrochemical Industry Polytechnic of Banten.

Registration began on April 22 and will close on May 31, 2025, via the official website jarvis.kemenperin.go.id.

PHOTO: KEMENPERIN

This article was created with AI assistance.