Jakarta, July 22, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing vocational education and renewable energy development through a strategic collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in Indonesia.
“Renewable energy and vocational education are two critical sectors requiring focused development in Indonesia. Switzerland is a global leader in both,” said Deputy Minister Stella Christie in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Christie highlighted that Indonesia could adopt several successful elements of Switzerland’s vocational education model, especially the active involvement of the private sector in shaping and supporting vocational training programs.
“Private sector participation can be facilitated through collaboration with higher education institutions, the Swiss-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (SwissCham), and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN),” she added.
As part of the cooperation, program participants—graduates and lecturers—will be eligible for official recognition in Switzerland or the European Union, thereby enhancing their global employability.
“Switzerland is a key partner for Indonesia. We aim to elevate the public’s perception of vocational education and foster stronger collaboration between industry and vocational higher education institutions,” Christie stated.
Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia Olivier Zehnder echoed the importance of investing in youth development and preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce. He expressed hope that the partnership would lead to expanded opportunities, including joint research initiatives between Indonesian polytechnics and Swiss universities of applied sciences.
“We are committed to supporting young talent in obtaining the necessary qualifications to enhance their career prospects,” Zehnder remarked.
The Swiss Embassy also showcased its flagship initiative in the country—the Renewable Energy Skills Development (RESD) program—which is now in its fourth year. This program partners with five Indonesian polytechnics specializing in renewable energy disciplines such as solar photovoltaic (PV), hydropower, and battery technology.
In alignment with the priority programs of President Prabowo Subianto, the Swiss Embassy announced plans to expand the RESD program by adding five more polytechnics, with an increased focus on PV and battery technologies.
To ensure the continuation and expansion of this initiative, both parties discussed the framework for future cooperation. A new cooperation agreement is expected to be drafted soon, pending the renewal of the existing memorandum of understanding, to ensure the swift and effective implementation of the program.