Minister Muhajir Appreciates the Collaboration in Advancing Vocational Education

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy inaugurated a New School Unit (USB), Muhammadiyah 5 Vocational High School (SMK) in Gresik Regency, East Java.

The construction of this school which specializes in agriculture was started in 2018 with a budget amounting to Rp2.7 billion through the Directorate of Vocational High School (SMK) Development of the Education and Culture Ministry.

“This is the real concept of SMK revitalization. All new SMKs must have a certainty, there's an industry partner that supports the school. This school will be supported by PT. Polowijo Gosari,” said Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy during the inauguration of SMK Muhammadiyah 5 Gresik located at Sumurber Village, Gresik Regency, East Java, on Tuesday (19/3).

Muhadjir appreciated the collaboration between the community, business sector, and industrial sector in an effort to advance vocational education. He hoped that SMK Muhammadiyah 5 Gresik will be able to give an immediate contribution to the economic progress of Gresik through agroindustry and maritime sectors, the two potentials this region holds.

“I strongly agree with making this school as a pilot school in industrial area which is a dream of Mr. Djauhar Arifin,” the Minister stated in his press release received in Jakarta, Tuesday (19/3).

SMK Muhammadiyah 5 Gresik was built on a 3.8-hectare of waqf land endowed by Achmad Djauhar Arifin, owner of PT. Polowijo Gosari Group. The assistance of New School Unit from Education and Culture Ministry consists of six classrooms, two lab rooms, one faculty room, and toilet. In addition, it is also facilitated with 9 units of furniture and two units of supporting equipment.

Director of SMK Development, M. Bakrun, stated that SMK Muhammadiyah 5 Gresik is a collaboration between PT. Polowijo Gosari Group with Muhammadiyah Foundation.

“We welcome whatever industry that cares about education. What makes it even greater is this one is managed by Muhammadiyah foundation, which no doubt is good in managing,” said Director of SMK Development. Moreover, this school will be focused on agriculture which is a national priority sector.

General Chairman of Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, who was also present in the event, appreciated the cooperation between the government and entrepreneurs in advancing the nation through education. “We want to build centers of excellence in science,” he said.

(Reporter: G. Suranto, Translator: Wisnu Wardoyo)