JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS — Indonesia and Switzerland are enhancing their commitment to developing a skilled industrial workforce at the Industrial Educational Training and Expo (Idutex) 2024, held from October 7 to 9 in Jakarta.

The event, organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Industry, featured exhibitions, seminars, coaching clinics, and a job fair, aimed at connecting industries with qualified talent. Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted Switzerland’s ongoing support, evident through the participation of Swisscontact Indonesia and the Swiss Indonesia Chamber of Commerce (SwissCham).

Masrokhan, Head of the Industrial Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDMI), noted that Swiss support for Indonesia’s workforce development began in the 1970s, exemplified by the establishment of the first polytechnic in Indonesia, the Swiss Mechanical Polytechnic, now known as Bandung Manufacturing Polytechnic.

The collaboration is now realized through the Swiss Skills for Competitiveness (SS4C) program, implemented by Swisscontact Indonesia with backing from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Kiky Hendarin, Deputy Program Manager of SS4C, reaffirmed their commitment to assist Indonesia in building a competitive workforce to achieve the country’s vision for 2045.

Suhartono, Executive Director of SwissCham Indonesia, emphasized the importance of structured internship curricula, allowing students to intern under professional trainers. This not only benefits the students but also equips trained employees to provide internal training, enhancing overall workforce capabilities. (Uki Ruknuddin)