PORTALJABAR, SUMEDANG REGENCY - West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan encouraged Fajar Mandala Vocational School to focus not only on student graduation but also on ensuring its graduates possess the competencies, morals, and access to direct entry into the workforce.

This was conveyed by Erwan when inaugurating the new building of Fajar Mandala Vocational School at Campus 2 Cipameungpeuk, as well as inaugurating the Al-Fajar Grand Mosque on Jalan Pager Betis No. 396, Cipancar Village, South Sumedang District, Sumedang Regency, Thursday (17/9/2026).

Erwan stated that as vocational schools, vocational high schools (SMK) have a greater responsibility to prepare graduates with skills needed by the industrial world. Therefore, he encouraged collaboration between schools, local governments, and companies to ensure graduates can immediately secure employment opportunities.

"Don't just graduate students, but also ensure that when they graduate, their morals and ethics are well-maintained," Erwan said.

According to Erwan, this need must also be accompanied by guaranteed job opportunities. He requested that the Sumedang Regency Manpower Office coordinate with schools and companies operating in Sumedang to open up job opportunities for vocational school graduates.

"If necessary, sign contracts with companies and get jobs immediately upon graduation. There will be no more unemployed vocational school graduates, especially those from Fajar Mandala Vocational School. I will oversee that," he said.

Erwan also mentioned the presence of thousands of factories in Sumedang Regency. He argued that investment and industrial growth must provide direct benefits to the local community, including through the absorption of local labor.

He reminded the people of Sumedang not to just be spectators amidst the development of industrial areas in their own area.

In addition to education and employment, Erwan emphasized the importance of worker protection through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan membership. He requested that district/city governments register all workers, both formal and informal, to ensure they receive employment social security.

"Informal workers include farmers, manual laborers, and traders. Please register them all. Don't let accidents happen while working, leaving them without insurance, leading to new forms of extreme poverty, children dropping out of school, and their kitchens no longer smoking," Erwan said.

On that occasion, Erwan also encouraged the Cipancar Village community to support the prosperity of the Al-Fajar Grand Mosque, which has stood for 103 years and has recently been renovated. He emphasized that mosque construction is not just about producing a magnificent building; it must be accompanied by vibrant religious activities involving all levels of society.

"It's not just a matter of completion, a magnificent building that's empty. I hope the people of Cipancar Village can make the Al-Hajar Mosque prosperous," he said.

The mosque renovation and construction of educational facilities also received support from civil servants (ASN) from the West Java Provincial Government through zakat (alms), infaq (donations), and alms (sadaqah) managed by the West Java National Zakat Agency (Baznas). Erwan hopes this assistance will provide lasting benefits, not only in terms of physical benefits but also in strengthening the community's education, character, and religious life.

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