Evidence review: Implementation of a vocational school transformation program in Indonesia

About The Report

This evidence review report, a collaboration between IDinsight and PSKP (Center for Education Standards and Policies), aims to assess the implementation of the Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan – Pusat Keunggulan (SMK-PK) Program, highlighting both positive progress and areas for improvement.

SMK-PK is a secondary-level vocational school transformation program that seeks to empower vocational schools or Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) in Indonesia by improving teachers’ industry-related competencies, implementing a work-based learning curriculum for students, strengthening the role and capacity of school principals in establishing partnerships with industries, and improvement of infrastructures through the provision of funds. Over two years of implementation, 2,172 schools have been selected as SMK-PK to implement the programs.

This report synthesizes these findings to inform ongoing policy and research discussions on vocational school transformation in Indonesia.

Our Approach

 We reviewed global best practices of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) reforms and PSKP’s studies on the SMK-PK program. Where available, we reference empirical evidence from studies that assess impact on learning outcomes and labor market outcomes. In cases where strong empirical data is lacking, we draw from case studies and lessons learned in other countries. We acknowledge, however, that Indonesia’s unique education landscape – characterized by its diverse geography, culture, and languages, as well as its decentralized system – means that not all global lessons can be directly applied.

Summary of Findings

 The review indicates that several components of the SMK-PK align well with global best practices, particularly its emphasis on empowering school-industry partnerships and implementation of work-based learning.

At the same time, future vocational school transformation program with multiple components such as SMK-PK can improve implementation by strengthening support from the national and sub-national government to SMKs with weaker local industry ecosystem, equipping SMK principals with instructional leadership capacities, equipping teachers with avenues for collaborative learning, and improving support for senior teachers to implement Merdeka Curriculum and work-based learning.

Resources

Executive summaries of the report are available in both Indonesian and English, and the full report can be accessed in Indonesian.

We invite your comments, feedback, and reflections.