Press Release: Strengthening World-Class Vocational Education, the Ministry of Education and Culture Sends Vocational High School Teachers on Overseas Internships

Strengthening World-Class Vocational Education, the Ministry of Education and Culture Sends Vocational High School Teachers on Overseas Internships

Published on: 2 September 2026

Jakarta, September 2, 2026 – As an effort to improve the quality and competence of vocational high school (SMK) teachers, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the Directorate of Vocational High Schools, Directorate General of Secondary Education and Special Education released 50 vocational high school teachers participating in the 2026 Overseas Internship Program for SMK Teachers in Jakarta, Tuesday (1/9).

This program, a collaboration between the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP), aims to provide vocational high school teachers with hands-on experience in work culture, the application of the latest technology, and international industry operational standards. In its implementation, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and LPDP collaborates with several partners, including the German Education and Culture Attaché, the Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) as a university partner, and FESTO Germany as an industry partner.

In his remarks, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, expressed his appreciation to the 50 vocational high school teachers who will participate in the internship program in Germany. "We are committed to improving the quality of teachers with universal participation. This is the first and most important step in advancing vocational education. I urge you to make the most of this program. Build your network, as every experience will be invaluable," explained the Minister.

Through hands-on learning experiences in global industrial environments and overseas universities, teachers are expected to broaden their horizons and improve their technical and pedagogical competencies. The knowledge and best practices gained during the internship are expected to be applied to the learning process at vocational schools, including updating the vocational curriculum and strengthening the implementation of global-standards-oriented teaching factories (Tefa).

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education also emphasized that vocational high schools (SMK) are educational institutions expected to prepare students to enter the workforce, develop an entrepreneurial spirit, and continue their education to a higher level. Therefore, the vocational high school curriculum needs to be continuously strengthened and aligned with the needs of the workforce and students' career choices and directions, so that the education provided becomes increasingly relevant to their future.

"We understand that not all vocational school graduates need to enter the workforce at a young age. Entrepreneurship-related curricula must be included, as there's now ample scope for entrepreneurship. Many jobs have been lost amidst the development of the digital world, but many more can be created through entrepreneurship. Congratulations again," concluded the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Secondary and Special Education, Tatang Muttaqin, stated that the Overseas Internship Program for Vocational High School Teachers demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening the quality of vocational education. He believes that improving teacher competency is not a one-time process, but rather a continuous effort that requires consistent implementation to meet the demands of developments in education and the needs of the workforce.

Fifty vocational high school teachers who passed the selection process will undergo a three-month internship in Germany, covering foundation, strengthening, immersion, and capitalization stages. The 50 vocational high school teachers come from 16 provinces and specialize in areas such as Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, Construction and Building Technology, and Energy and Mining.

"A total of 34 vocational high school teachers will study at TU Dresden, and 16 will study at FESTO Germany. We recognize that the quality of vocational education is largely determined by the quality of teachers. Teachers are the backbone of graduate quality, and investing in teacher competency is the best investment for the future of vocational education. The departure of these teachers to Germany carries an important mission," explained Director General Tatang.

Director General Tatang also advised vocational school teachers to maintain professionalism, discipline, responsibility, and integrity. "Germany is known as a mecca for vocational education through its successful dual system. We hope you can use these experiences as reflection, inspiration, and networking opportunities, and return home with ideas and a passion for change," Director General Tatang said.

The Head of the LPDP Cooperation and Development Division, Agam Bayu Suryantoro, stated that LPDP played a role in facilitating the 2026 Overseas Internship Program for Vocational High School Teachers. "For LPDP, this is a very strategic program. We hope you can complete this program as well as possible and find it beneficial. The outcomes can be felt, so when evaluating and wanting to ensure sustainability, we already have proof. Congratulations to the 50 vocational high school teachers," said Agam Bayu.

Meanwhile, Yenni Arta, a teacher at SMKN 1 West Sumatra, one of the program's beneficiaries, expressed her delight at the opportunity to study and deepen her vocational education in Germany. She believes this is a rare opportunity, especially for teachers in the regions, who are given the opportunity and facilitated to explore further in a country with highly developed vocational education systems. "I'm very happy, especially for us in this region. We know studying there is very expensive, and we're grateful to have qualified. There are many things I want to learn there because it will be beneficial, especially when mentoring students who will participate in the Student Competency Competition (LKS)," Yenni said. *** (Author: Uly, Team of the Directorate General of Secondary Education, Special Education, and Higher Education/Documentation: Yuswan Rosepi)

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

Website: kemendikdasmen.go.id
X: x.com/Kemdikdasmen
Instagram: instagram.com/kemendikdasmen
Facebook: facebook.com/kemendikdasmen
YouTube: Ministry of Education and Culture
Questions and Complaints: ult.kemendikdasmen.go.id
Press Release from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: kemendikdasmen.go.id/pencarian/siaran-pers

#QualityEducationforAll
#MinistryofEducationAndEducationFriendly