Astra Strengthens Vocational Education, Turning Educational Challenges in Kupang into Job Opportunities

KUPANG, EAST NUSA TENGGARA: In the rural areas of Kupang Regency, vocational education still lags behind labor market needs and school learning conditions. Limited practical facilities, restricted access to learning resources, and the need for stronger teacher capacity in skills-based learning have impacted the readiness of vocational high school (SMK) graduates to enter the workforce or start businesses.

SMK Negeri 1 Takari in Takari District faces these challenges directly. The school serves students from Oesusu, Benu, Takari, and other inland villages, many of whom travel long distances daily to access vocational education aligned with workforce needs.

To address these challenges, Astra, through Yayasan Astra, has provided ongoing support for vocational education. Efforts focus on strengthening teacher capacity, developing practice-based learning, and enhancing students’ readiness for employment and entrepreneurship. This support is delivered by Yayasan Astra - Yayasan Pendidikan Astra Michael D. Ruslim, an education-focused foundation.

“Vocational education plays an important role in preparing young generations who are work-ready and independent, especially in areas with limited access. Through Yayasan Astra - Yayasan Pendidikan Astra Michael D. Ruslim, we strive to strengthen teachers’ capacity and practical learning so that SMK graduates have relevant skills and can create job opportunities for themselves,” said Astra President Director Djony Bunarto Tjondro.

SMK Negeri 1 Takari currently enrolls 322 students across five areas: creative wood and rattan crafts, creative batik and textile crafts, building information modeling design, light vehicle engineering, and welding engineering. Approximately 80% of students come from modest backgrounds and pursue vocational education to secure employment after graduation.

Before the assistance program, the school faced limited practical facilities, insufficient learning tools, and a need to strengthen teachers’ ability to deliver industry-relevant instruction.

Since 2021, Yayasan Astra - Yayasan Pendidikan Astra Michael D. Ruslim has supported SMK Negeri 1 Takari through a phased approach. Initial efforts focused on character development for students, followed by literacy and numeracy training for 23 teachers. In 2023, the program emphasized the teaching factory concept to align learning with real workplace practices.

This support has fostered learning innovation despite limited resources. In the light vehicle engineering department, teachers and students created simulation tools for vehicle lighting and starter systems. These efforts led to the development of Gaspol, a digital learning application featuring component introductions, circuit simulations, and quizzes. Over 75 students have used the application during practical sessions.

The impact of this assistance is evident in the improved readiness of SMK Negeri 1 Takari graduates. Several alumni now work in the automotive service sector or run their own businesses. Notably, a welding department graduate who previously struggled academically now manages his own workshop and serves as a practical examiner for junior students, further strengthening the experience-based learning ecosystem.

Additionally, Yayasan Astra - Yayasan Pendidikan Astra Michael D. Ruslim has expanded access to further education through a partnership with Politeknik Astra. Each year, up to six 12th-grade students can participate in a full scholarship selection process.

Ongoing support has established SMK Negeri 1 Takari as a model for other vocational schools in Kupang Regency, particularly in practice-based learning and teacher-student collaboration.

The full story of this initiative is available on the SATU Indonesia YouTube channel.

Astra remains committed to strengthening vocational education and improving the quality of human resources, especially in areas with limited educational access. This aligns with Astra’s goal to Prosper with the Nation and support Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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For further information, please contact:

Windy Riswantyo
Head of Corporate Communications
PT Astra International Tbk
Telp. 021-508-43-888

 

About Astra

Astra is one of Indonesia’s largest public companies, comprising 301 subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associate companies, supported by more than 190,000 employees. The company’s diversified business model creates synergies and opportunities across industry sectors including automotive & mobility, financial services, heavy equipment, mining construction & energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, information technology, and property. The company has a new sustainability framework which includes Astra’s 2030 Sustainability Aspirations. It will guide Astra in the transition journey to be a more sustainable business by 2030 and beyond. Astra wishes to contribute to the strength and resilience of the Indonesian economy while supporting an inclusive and prosperous society.

Astra has a strong record of public and social contributions through four pillars, which consist of health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship as well as nine foundations to contribute to the growth of the Indonesian economy while encouraging a more inclusive and prosperous society. Established in 2010, Astra’s Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk (SATU) Indonesia Awards program, has recognised the contribution of 726 young Indonesians at the national and provincial level across the nation. The SATU Indonesia Awards program is integrated with Astra’s wide range of community activities through more than 1,500 Desa Sejahtera Astra and Kampung Berseri Astra in 35 provinces throughout Indonesia.

For more about Astra, visit astra.co.id, and follow us on Instagram @satu_indonesia, TikTok @satu_indonesia, YouTube SATU Indonesia, X (Twitter) @satu_indonesia, LinkedIn PT Astra International Tbk, and Facebook Semangat Astra Terpadu.