The growth of data centers in Indonesia is rapidly increasing alongside digital transformation and smart city projects. To support this growth, professional and job-ready talent is needed, starting with vocational education. Vocational high schools (SMKs) and polytechnics are the main gateways to producing high-quality talent, especially when involving industry practitioners and alumni who have experience in the data center sector.
In the latest episode of Nusantara Data Center Academy (NDCA) Podcast, this topic was discussed by:
- Dr. Ir. Mombang Sihite, MM., DCP, CMA, Board of Director, PT Azbil Berca Indonesia
- T. Agus Sriyono, SJ. M. Hum., M. Sc, Director, Politeknik Industri ATMI
Hosted by Dania Rari Pratiwi, Community Engagement Lead at Microsoft
The discussion highlighted the importance of vocational education aligned with industry needs, the integration of practitioners into teaching, and the government’s role as a facilitator in the vocational ecosystem.
Strengthening Vocational Education for Professional Workforce
Vocational education must prepare graduates who are job-ready and professional. Collaboration between schools, polytechnics, industry, and alumni bridges the gap between academic curriculum and industry needs. Alumni who have worked in data centers are a key link because they understand both education gaps and industry demands, making the vocational ecosystem more effective.
Why Vocational Education is Crucial for the Data Center Industry
The data center industry requires skilled professionals, especially in IT, mechanical, electrical, and AI systems. Vocational education is essential because it:
- Bridges the academic-industry gap – Polytechnic and SMK graduates must meet industry standards, not just theoretical knowledge.
- Produces job-ready graduates – Practical curriculum, structured internships, and industry practitioner involvement ensure maximum competence.
- Improves local workforce quality – Specialized vocational programs reduce dependency on foreign professionals.
Supports data center industry growth – Competent workers strengthen investment and expansion of Indonesia’s digital industry.
Industry-Polytechnic Collaboration Producing Job-Ready Professionals
Industry and polytechnic collaboration includes:
- Designing curricula that reflect real industry practices.
- Inviting industry practitioners as guest lecturers for real-world experience.
- Structuring internships: pre-internship, during internship, and post-internship evaluation.
This collaboration ensures polytechnic graduates are competent according to industry standards and ready to work effectively.
Increasing Young Generation Interest in Vocational Education
The industry also plays a role in sparking student interest in vocational paths. By showing clear career paths, introducing the latest technology, and inspiring students through practitioners, vocational education becomes an attractive choice for the younger generation. This helps overcome digital distractions and enhances learning motivation.
Government’s Role in Supporting Vocational Education
The government needs to recognize vocational education as a national strategic asset, providing policies, funding, and incentives to strengthen industry-polytechnic collaboration. Government support helps:
- Produce professional workforce ready to compete globally.
- Reduce reliance on foreign labor.
- Strengthen the growth of the data center and digital industry in Indonesia.
Key Insights: Vocational Education & the Data Center Industry
- Integrated vocational ecosystem: Linking education, industry, and alumni for relevant curricula and job-ready graduates.
- Polytechnic focus on practical training: Maintaining the unique value of vocational graduates.
- Practitioner integration in teaching: Providing real-world experience and industry readiness.
- Curriculum & internship aligned with industry: Pre, during, and post-internship structure ensures maximum competency.
- Data center specialization: Dedicated programs are needed to meet workforce demands.
- Overcoming digital distractions: Inspiring young people through exposure to advanced technologies.
- Government support: Recognizing vocational education as a strategic national asset.
Conclusion
Vocational education is the foundation of Indonesia’s data center industry growth. Collaboration between government, industry, and alumni ensures graduates are skilled, professional, and job-ready. Industry practitioners, relevant curricula, and structured internships will restore vocational education’s unique value. The government should treat vocational education as a strategic national investment, making Indonesia competitive globally and supporting sustainable growth in the digital industry.
For more details, listen directly to the podcast on YouTube Nusantara Academy and don’t forget to register for training by contacting https://wa.me/6285176950083
