The Ministry of Industry is strengthening the readiness of young talents from its vocational schools to compete in the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) 2026 in Shanghai, China (25/02).

This effort is part of Indonesia’s Asta Cita program to improve human resources and mastery of science and technology, supporting the Making Indonesia 4.0 transformation.

Global Recognition of Indonesian Vocational Talent

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted that international recognition of Indonesian vocational graduates is an important asset for strengthening the country’s position globally.

“Indonesia needs to instill the spirit for young generations to grow with motivation to create new innovations. Participation in international competitions serves as a valuable learning space to enhance the spirit of innovation,” he said in a statement in Jakarta (25/02).

Collaboration Ensures High-Level Technical Preparation

Through the Industrial Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDMI), the Ministry of Industry prepares students for WSC with support from PT Festo and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

BPSDMI Head Doddy Rahadi said preparations involve a strong, integrated collaboration with the Ministry of Education and PT Festo in selecting talents, strengthening technical skills, and mentoring participants.

“We ensure that the training ecosystem for vocational students under the Ministry of Industry has adopted world-class Industry 4.0 technology standards,” he said.

SMK-SMTI Padang Represents Indonesia in Industry 4.0

The WorldSkills Competition is the largest international skills event, bringing together youth, industry, educators, and governments to advance vocational and technical education.

WSC Shanghai 2026, scheduled for 22-27 September 2026, will feature several competitions, including Industry 4.0, with participants from 12 countries.

Doddy stated that SMK-SMTI Padang will represent Indonesia in the Industry 4.0 category, sending two top students. This follows their success winning the Medallion for Excellence at the ASEAN WorldSkills Competition 2025 in Manila, Philippines.

Director of Vocational High Schools (SMK) Arie Wibowo Khurniawan said WSC serves as an international benchmark to revitalize Indonesia’s vocational education, measuring teaching quality, teacher competence, and SMK infrastructure according to global industry standards.

“Indonesia participates regularly and we will prepare to host the ASEAN WorldSkills 2027,” he added.

Preparing Smart Talent for Indonesia’s Manufacturing Industry

PPPVI Head Wulan Aprilianti Permatasari expressed confidence that the two students at WSC Shanghai 2026 will gain high-level skills to strengthen the national manufacturing sector.

“Their participation is expected to prove that the vocational ecosystem under the Ministry of Industry can produce smart talent ready for the era of intelligent manufacturing and support future industrial investment in Indonesia,” she said.

Previously, the Ministry also sent two students from SMK-SMTI Pontianak to WSC 2024 in Lyon, France. The students ranked 13th out of 21 countries, outperforming nations including the UK, Japan, Finland, Poland, and South Korea.

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY

This article was created with AI assistance.

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