UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yayasan Pendidikan Pancasila (Pancasila Education Foundation) Surakarta Headquarter in Wonogiri. The signatory took place in SMK Pancasila 1 Wonogiri, Sunday (6/12/2020). This collaboration shows the partnership between the two institutions in the education sector and vocational training.
The MoU was signed directly by Prof. Sajidan as the Vice-Rector for Partnership and Planning Affairs UNS and the Head of Pancasila Education Foundation Drs. Sakira. The procession was witnessed directly by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, the Director-General for Vocational Education, Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemdikbud) RI, Wikan Sakarinto, Ph.D., and the Director of the Vocational School UNS, Drs. Santoso Tri Hananto, M.Acc., Ak.
Thi MoU covers various activities such as training, education, research, technology development, community engagement, and human resource development. Following the signatory ceremony, Prof. Jamal in his remarks, states that the Merdeka Belajar and Kampus Merdeka Program, declared by the Minister of Education and Culture, Nadiem Makarim, has established a new atmosphere in the education world.
“This atmosphere has educated and closed the gap between education institution with industrial and research field. If previously vocational school is underestimated, now vocational school must be able to answer all challenges from the Industrial sector,” Prof. Jamal reveals. Further, Prof. Jamal considers that the effort taken by Kemdikbud RI in promoting vocational education will bring the promising result in the future. Even though currently, vocational education is still underestimated, but he believes that under Wikan Sakarinto, Ph.D., leadership, vocational education will be advanced rapidly.
“I believe that under the current Vocational education Director-General, Vocational School will be a prima donna and the perfect choice for those who want to continue their education,” Prof. Jamal said.
According to him, the support provided by Wikan Sakarinto, Ph.D., to establish a link and match the ecosystem between the education institution and the industrial world is correct. This effort will not only provide students with excellent competency but also opening the opportunities for vocational school graduates to get a job in line with their field of study.
On this occasion the Headmaster of SMK Pancasila 1 Wonogiri, Joko Prihanto states that his party welcomes the partnership with UNS, adding that the school always complies with Kemdikbud RI suggestion in establishing collaboration with the industrial world. He further mentioned that there are 5 (five) requirements in establishing collaboration with industry such as join curriculum preparation, provision of teachers or visiting lecturer by partner industry with minimal 50 hours lecture per semester, a join-internship program for SMK student and vocational school student, competency certification, and commitment to employing vocational school graduates. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti