Indonesia and Switzerland Deepen Cooperation on Vocational Education and Renewable Energy

Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing vocational training and renewable energy development through an expanded partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Jakarta.

“Renewable energy and vocational education are two key sectors requiring further progress in Indonesia. Switzerland is a global leader in both areas,” said Deputy Minister Stella Christie in a statement released on Tuesday.

Beyond clean energy, the collaboration aims to adopt elements of Switzerland’s vocational training model, particularly emphasizing private sector participation in shaping vocational programs. Christie highlighted that such involvement could be facilitated via institutions like higher education providers, SwissCham Indonesia, and Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).

A significant benefit of the partnership is that Indonesian graduates and lecturers participating in the program will receive formal recognition in Switzerland or across the European Union, enhancing international employability.

“Switzerland is a strategic partner for many reasons. We aim to elevate public perception of vocational education in Indonesia and foster stronger engagement between industry and vocational institutions,” Christie added.

In response, Swiss Ambassador Olivier Zehnder underscored the importance of empowering youth with skills that align with evolving workforce demands. He noted that this bilateral effort could also lead to joint research ventures between Indonesian polytechnics and Swiss universities of applied sciences.

“We are committed to supporting young talents in pursuing higher education to enhance their career prospects,” Zehnder stated.

A cornerstone of this collaboration is the Renewable Energy Skills Development (RESD) program, which has now entered its fourth year. Backed by the Swiss government, the program involves five Indonesian polytechnics specializing in areas like solar photovoltaics (PV), hydropower, and battery technologies.

Looking ahead, to align with the priorities of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, the Swiss Embassy announced plans to extend the RESD initiative to five additional polytechnics, with a sharper focus on PV systems and battery innovation.

To ensure the continuity and expansion of the program, both nations are working toward renewing their memorandum of understanding and drafting a formal cooperation agreement that will guide swift and effective implementation.