President Scheduled To Visit Siemens To Observe Vocational Programs

Berlin (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo is scheduled to make a visit to Siemens in Berlin as part of the efforts to develop Indonesia's vocational education system.

"Siemens has successfully developed a vocational education system. We are focusing on improving vocational education to meet the needs of the current market," Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi stated here on Sunday night.

Marsudi noted that education in Germany was offered by two types of institutions: universities and vocational schools.

"In Indonesia, labor skills should be developed to face challenges in the implementation of the ASEAN economic community," the minister remarked.

The minister said the president will attend three business meetings and an Indonesian community forum.

"The president's visit is in response to the invitation of German Chancellor Angela Merkel," the minister stated.

The president's visit is expected to promote trade and investment.

Vocational education is needed to capitalize on its demographic bonus as 60 percent of Indonesia's population was below 30 years of age.

Ambassador to Germany Fauzi Bowo noted that Germany had also enforced the nine-year compulsory education program.

"Students will have the opportunity to work or study at universities," Bowo added. (WDY)