Govt Launches 3+1 SMK Program for Overseas Employment

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, known as Kemendikdasmen, has launched the "3+1 SMK Foreign Employment Class" program to prepare vocational high school graduates for the global labor market. The rollout coincided with the send-off of 3,000 SMK graduates and 600 training institution alumni bound for overseas employment.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti stated that the initiative signals a new trajectory for vocational education development. He noted that SMK graduates are now being prepared to cater not only to domestic demands but also to the international job market.

"This program also represents an effort to fulfill a constitutional right, where every citizen is entitled to a decent livelihood," Mu'ti said during the launch in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Tatang Muttaqin, the Ministry's Director General of Secondary and Special Education, noted that the 3+1 program was conceived in 2025 to address the rising mobility of the global workforce. He explained that the scheme serves as a bridge for vocational graduates to enter the international arena.

Under this framework, students will complete three years of regular schooling based on the national curriculum. The additional year will focus on honing language proficiency, navigating foreign work cultures, and understanding labor laws and protections in destination countries.

"Working abroad is not just about employment; it is about learning independence and serving as the nation's ambassadors," Tatang said.

He added that the program has already been rolled out across at least 49 vocational schools nationwide. Participating schools are expected to seamlessly incorporate global employment readiness into their existing curricula.

Kusdarmadi, the principal of Muhammadiyah 1 Malang Vocational High School, underscored the necessity of the extra year, arguing that the standard three-year curriculum falls short of adequately preparing students for overseas jobs. He emphasized that students must sharpen their language skills, adjust to different work ethics, and build up both physical and mental stamina.

Kusdarmadi shared that his school has teamed up with the Indonesian Military to instill discipline and build students' physical endurance. Furthermore, the institution collaborates with a psychology team to fortify the mental resilience of students heading abroad.

Since 2019, Muhammadiyah 1 Malang Vocational High School has dispatched graduates to Japan to work in sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to caregiving.

Echoing the sentiment, Agustina, the principal of SMKN 1 Buduran Sidoarjo, pointed out a similar trend. She observed that while student interest in global careers has surged over recent years, their preparation had previously remained subpar.

"With this program, we can truly prepare our students much earlier, starting right from the 10th grade," Agustina said.

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