Indonesia’s Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Anggito Abimanyu, stated that Indonesia aims to become a developed country by achieving 7 to 8% annual national economic growth.
He noted that this goal is achievable, given Indonesia’s abundant natural resources, which could be well-utilized with effective management.
“In the energy sector, we’ve fallen behind for a few years, yet if we look at our energy resources, Indonesia has substantial reserves,” Dr. Abimanyu said during a keynote address on national educational and industrial agendas at the 15th Anniversary of the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM), held on Monday (Oct. 28) in the TILC Ballroom, SV UGM.
According to the deputy minister, state-owned energy companies, such as Pertamina and the National Electricity Company (PLN), fully manage the current energy transition agenda.
President Prabowo seeks to strengthen these institutions to adequately meet the nation’s energy needs.
Indonesia produces around 600 million barrels annually, while demand stands at 1.5 million and continues to grow annually.
“Companies like Pertamina and PLN need the strongest talent, so it’s the duty of universities to provide competitive human resources,” the deputy minister added.
Ahead of Indonesia’s 2030 demographic dividend, Dr. Abimanyu highlighted the potential crisis from an unutilized working-age population peak.
He sees SV UGM as an agent of change in shaping competitive and innovative human resources and hopes that UGM will expand educational opportunities to reach rural communities.
“We hope young, talented individuals can emerge and create without economic barriers,” he said.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized the need for SV UGM to increase its capacity, as vocational education bridges higher education and industry through various collaborations.
Currently, SV UGM partners with 370 industry and institutional collaborators.
“Two key areas for vocational schools are technology adaptation and aligning competencies to meet industry challenges,” said the rector.
She added that SV UGM graduates are prepared to meet industry needs and create business opportunities and entrepreneurship.
“The younger generation will be able to innovate and establish new jobs based on current technologies,” she noted.
Dean of SV UGM Professor Agus Maryono presented annual achievements, including increased student enrollment and a 60.7% participation rate in MBKM internship programs involving 628 students.
“This reflects SV UGM’s commitment to providing practical industry education for its students,” he said.
The anniversary event, attended by university and faculty leadership, also welcomed Nicke Widyawati, President and Director of PT Pertamina, and Adi Priyanto, Director of Distribution at PT PLN Indonesia.
PT Pertamina awarded a grant for a mini auditorium at SV UGM, while PT PLN provided funds for a Collaborative Space renovation. Both contribute to enhancing education quality and fostering a generation of competitive and innovative professionals.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto