Vocational Education in Indonesia

Vocational High Schools (SMK) in Indonesia are categorized into nine areas of expertise as recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek). These areas are outlined in Directorate General of Vocational High Schools Regulation No. 6/2018 on the Vocational High School Expertise Spectrum. The nine areas of expertise include:

1. Technology and Engineering

2. Energy and Mining

3. Information and Communication Technology

4. Health and Social Work

5. Agribusiness and Agrotechnology

6. Maritime

7. Business and Management

8. Tourism

9. Arts and Creative Industries

Evaluation and Curriculum

Student learning evaluations are conducted on a scale of 1-100, covering three main aspects:

1. National Subjects: Religious Education, Pancasila Ideology and Citizenship Education, Indonesian, Mathematics, Indonesian History, and English.

2. Regional Subjects: Cultural Arts and Physical Education, Sports, and Health.

3. Vocational Subjects:

   • First-year students study basic areas of expertise and basic expertise programs.

   • Second-year to final-year students focus on competency skills.

Duration and Certification

Vocational high school education takes approximately 3 to 4 years, depending on the required skill competencies. The curriculum aligns with the Indonesian National Qualification Framework (KKNI) and international competency standards. A student's competency evaluation is conducted through expertise competency tests, which may be assessed through:

• Independent examinations

• Industry partners or professional associations

• Professional certification units licensed by the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP)

• Industry-based projects using government-prepared standards

To qualify as a vocational high school teacher, individuals must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Vocational Colleges

Apart from vocational high schools, Indonesia also has vocational colleges that offer diploma programs ranging from Diploma I (DI) to Diploma IV (DIV) or Bachelor of Applied Science. These programs are designed based on KKNI guidelines and use the Semester Credit Unit (SKS) system to measure learning outcomes.

Study Load and Duration

• DI Program: Minimum 36 credits, maximum study period of 2 years

• DII Program: Minimum 72 credits, maximum study period of 3 years

• DIII Program: Minimum 108 credits, maximum study period of 5 years

• DIV Program: Minimum 144 credits, maximum study period of 7 years

Each learning credit consists of 170 minutes per week per semester, with time allocated as follows:

• 170 minutes for practical activities

• 50 minutes for lectures

• 120 minutes for self-study or assignments

Graduation and Evaluation

Vocational college students must complete the required study load with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.00 to graduate. Upon graduation, they receive a diploma and a competency certificate relevant to their expertise.

Evaluation methods include:

• Attitude assessments: Conducted through observation, self-research, peer assessment, and personal evaluations (though these are often overlooked in practice).

• General and specific skills assessments: Evaluated through practical assessments, simulations, or work practices.

• Knowledge mastery assessments: Conducted through various tests, both verbal and written, directly or indirectly.

To teach in a vocational college, individuals must hold at least a Master’s or Applied Master’s degree in a relevant field. However, colleges can recruit instructors with a minimum DIII qualification if they have relevant industry experience aligned with KKNI standards.

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