ULM Observer Highlights 4-Year Vocational High School Discourse: Clear Regulations Needed and Anticipation of Declining Interest

Education observer from Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), Reza Pahlevi, spoke about the government’s discourse on increasing the study period at Vocational High Schools (SMK) to four years. According to him, this policy risks reducing students’ interest in choosing vocational education.

“This program has the potential to reduce interest in entering SMK, especially for those who want to continue to college. There must be a balance so that students still have educational choices that suit their desires and potential,” said Reza.

In addition to the impact on student interest, Reza also highlighted the regulatory challenges that the government must face. Currently, the SMK study period is set for three years. Changing to four years requires a long process, including revising existing regulations.

“If we want to change it, of course it takes a long process because we have to revoke the old regulation and replace it with a new one,” he explained.

As a solution, Reza suggested that additional skills be provided through post-graduation training programs, not by extending the school period. “I agree more if additional study period is given after graduation. For example, there is a training program for vocational school graduates to gain deeper skills according to their respective majors,” he said.

Furthermore, he also encouraged cooperation between vocational schools and the Job Training Center (BLK) to provide additional training for graduates.

“What if vocational schools cooperate with BLK? Vocational school graduates can immediately enter BLK to get additional training for several months. This can speed up the process of them being ready to work,” he added.

Reza emphasized that clarity of the legal umbrella is very important so that this policy can be implemented properly and not be confusing in the future.