PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - A total of 32 state vocational schools (SMK) in West Java signed cooperation agreements with 64 companies from various industrial sectors.

The signing, facilitated by the West Java Provincial Education Office (Disdik), took place at SMKN 1 Setu, Bekasi Regency, Tuesday (1/9/2026).

This strategic step aims to strengthen the alignment between the vocational learning system and the real needs of the world of work or the world of business and industry (Dudika).

The scope of cooperation covers a number of areas of expertise, including business and management, tourism, manufacturing and engineering technology, information technology, arts and the creative economy, and automotive.

The Head of the West Java Education Office (Kadisdik), Purwanto, emphasized that collaboration is the main key to overcoming resource limitations in schools.

According to him, partner companies can function as living laboratories that provide direct practical experience to students.

"The limitations of schools can only be overcome through collaboration. I am grateful to the companies that are willing to become living labs for our children," said Purwanto.

Furthermore, he encouraged school principals to continue to be proactive in building strategic partnerships with companies, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and communities in their surrounding areas.

This collaboration is also expected to bring industry practitioners directly to schools to strengthen students' competencies.

On the same occasion, this event was also combined with the handover of grants of machines and practical equipment from the Indonesian Ministry of Industry through the Directorate General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics Industry (ILMATE).

The assistance provided was in the form of a lathe ( general lathe ) imported from South Korea.

Regarding equipment completeness, the Head of the West Java Education Office assessed that the availability of practical facilities that meet industry standards is crucial in vocational education. Adequate equipment will help students become more accustomed to the rhythm and operational standards used in the real world of work.

In addition to improving technical competency, Purwanto also emphasized the importance of character building and work culture from school, such as cleanliness and discipline.

"Companies need people who are disciplined and responsible," he concluded.

WEST JAVA PUBLIC RELATIONS
Head of the Communication and Information Service of West Java Province
Adi Komar