Jakarta, November 23, 2023 - Erajaya Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to contribute to the improvement of vocational competencies to prepare individuals for the workforce, especially in the retail sector. This commitment is realized through the implementation of Erajaya Vocational Day, titled "Shaping the Future Retail Generation," held at the Convention Hall SME Tower, Smesco Building, Jakarta. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), the event includes several agendas such as the signing of the MoU between Erajaya and Vocational Education Units Phase II, HerVocational Talkshow, Erajaya Group Pop-Up Store, SMK Work Stands, and the Hiring Corner. The Erajaya Vocational Day event was officially inaugurated by Jimmy Perangin Angin, Chief Human Capital, Legal, GA, and CSR of Erajaya Group, and Kiki Yuliati, Director General (Dirjen) of Vocational Education from Kemendikbudristek.
Jimmy Perangin Angin, Chief Human Capital, Legal, GA, and CSR of Erajaya Group, stated, "As one of the leaders in the retail industry in Indonesia, Erajaya Group remains committed to implementing business practices that contribute to sustainable development. One of them is by supporting the development of vocational education, which we believe will create skilled and excellent human resources, preparing the next generation for the retail world. This is realized through collaboration with the Directorate General of Vocational Education from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), a partnership that has been established since 2019. Through Erajaya Vocational Day, we aim to provide a collaborative and synergistic experience between the industry, educational institutions, educators, students, and vocational graduates. We hope this collaboration will bring new knowledge and understanding that positively impact the progress of vocational education and the retail business in Indonesia."
In this event, Erajaya Group also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vocational Education Institutions (SPV) Phase II. A total of 27 SPVs signed the MoU, represented by Dadang Sudibyo, Head of Employee & Industrial Relations at PT Erajaya Swasembada Tbk, and representatives of school principals or deans from SPVs. The signing of Phase II MoU involves a total of 80 SPVs across Indonesia collaborating with Erajaya for the next 3 (three) years. The collaboration includes curriculum alignment based on industry needs, competence improvement, and certification for educators, educational staff, and students. It also involves providing guest lecturers from the business and industrial sectors, fieldwork practices, joint applied research, and fieldwork recruitment.
In addition to the signing of the MoU, the event was enriched by the HerVocational talk show, which discussed two perspectives from the retail business and educational practitioners:
- "Unveiling the Future of Retail Leadership," addressing the role of women in leadership transformation in the retail business world by Amelia Allen, Corporate Secretary of Erajaya Group.
- "Classroom to Career: Academic Strategic for Retail Talent Development," explaining educators' strategies in guiding students to develop talents and skills from the classroom to a career in the retail industry by Santi Yuliana, M.Pd, a Teacher/Vice Principal in charge of Industry Public Relations.
"The combination of perspectives from the business and practitioner sides will provide a new and comprehensive outlook that will be beneficial for all of us in creating a generation that is excellent and competent according to current needs. We hope this event becomes a platform for sharing and designing future strategies as a provision for the vocational education of students in line with industry needs, especially in the retail sector," added Jimmy.
This activity was well-received by the Director General of Vocational Education, Kiki Yuliati, who sees this synergy as in line with the transformation of education and the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum. Currently, the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbudristek) has launched the SMK-PK program or Vocational School Centers of Excellence, through two mechanisms: SMK PK Regular and SMK PK Matching Support Scheme (SMK PK SPD). SMK PK SPD is developed with the aim of inviting the business and industrial world (DUDI) to become co-creators in vocational education at vocational schools.
“Industrial partners are expected not only to provide funding but, more importantly, to contribute to developing curricula that suit the needs of each industry, participate in educating and teaching as practitioner teachers, provide training opportunities for teachers, and facilitate structured internship opportunities in the industry so that vocational school graduates will be competent according to industry expectations,” explained Director General Kiki.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) continues to make efforts to increase the focus on development and interventions in improving relevance, one of which is through the Independent Learning Free Campus at the university level, encouraging students to learn outside the campus. They are also encouraged to learn from the world of work and society. This learning experience is believed to accelerate the improvement of the relevance of vocational education graduates' competencies.
“We believe that by systematically and productively involving the business and industrial sector as partners who play a role as co-creators of vocational education, Indonesia can realize excellent vocational education that fully supports various economic and societal activities,” said Director General Kiki.
Throughout the event, Erajaya Group also opened a Pop-Up Store and Hiring Corner, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about Erajaya's business and explore various positions. The aim is to offer insights into the real opportunities available for outstanding vocational graduates in Indonesia.
For further information, please contact:
Marsha Karindra
Corporate Communications Erajaya Group
M: 0878 83739697