The Faculty of Vocational Studies at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) received an official visit by a team from the Center for Quality Assurance Development of Vocational Education in Marine Affairs, Fisheries, and ICT (BPPMPV KPTK) to finalize plans for strategic cooperation between the two institutions. The meeting was a concrete step toward strengthening synergy in vocational education based on industry needs and in developing outstanding human resources.
The meeting took place in the meeting room of the Faculty of Vocational Studies, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on Tuesday (24 February). Also present were the Dean; the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Partnerships; lecturers from the Aquaculture and Post-Harvest Technology Study Program (TAPP); and the leadership of BPPMPV KPTK.
On that occasion, Dean Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Restu, MP., emphasized that the collaboration has strategic value in driving improvements in the quality of study programs and strengthening the competencies of vocational students. Prof. Restu added that the cooperation is not a stand-alone initiative, but a continuation of a series of previous meetings and visits.
“The Unhas Faculty of Vocational Studies is ready to facilitate student internship programs, training collaborations, and the use of supporting facilities to strengthen skills. In terms of mentoring vocational high schools (SMK), we are also ready to contribute through our networks and experience in developing vocational education,” explained Prof. Restu.
On the same occasion, the Head of BPPMPV KPTK, Yogi Sopian, ST., M.Pd., expressed appreciation for the commitment of the Unhas Faculty of Vocational Studies to building sustainable vocational education partnerships based on industry needs. According to Yogi Sopian, the collaboration is a strategic step in strengthening the vocational education ecosystem, including in the marine and fisheries sector, which has great potential for further development.
“We welcome the commitment of the Unhas Faculty of Vocational Studies to expanding the space for collaboration. Strengthening Teaching Factory facilities, particularly in the handling of fishery products and the development of processed products such as marinated fish, is an important focus that we can develop together. We are also opening up opportunities for cooperation in applied research and innovation so that the results not only have an impact on the institutions, but also bring direct benefits to the community and industry,” explained Yogi Sopian.
The meeting, moderated by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Partnerships of the Unhas Faculty of Vocational Studies, Prof. Dr. Ida Leida M., SKM., MKM., MScPH., discussed the development of a Smart School ecosystem, including strengthening Teaching Factories at fisheries vocational high schools, as well as the implementation of community service programs as the initial stage in putting the cooperation into practice.
The finalization of the cooperation plan is expected to be a milestone in strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and vocational education development agencies in supporting improvements in the quality of human resources in marine affairs, fisheries, and information and communication technology.
Through this shared commitment, both institutions are optimistic that the partnership they have built will be sustainable and have a tangible impact on the development of vocational education in Indonesia. (*/fv-hms/mir)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.