Cak Imin Encourages Pesantren-Based Vocational Schools to Elevate Standards to International Levels

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, also known as Cak Imin, the Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), is advocating for the enhancement of the quality of vocational high schools (SMK) based on Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) to help them compete with international-standard institutions.

Cak Imin stated that improving the quality of pesantren-based SMK is part of PKB's ongoing efforts to transform these institutions.

He emphasized that this transformation encompasses not only the improvement of education and curriculum quality but also the development of skills among students to prepare them for the job market challenges.

"We also thank God for the potential pesantren-based SMK that we are upgrading, encouraging them to reach the same level as those in Japan-style SMK," Cak Imin explained during his speech on Tuesday (10/11/2026).

In addition to enhancing the quality of pesantren-based SMK, Cak Imin mentioned that PKB is also promoting skill development and networking for students aspiring to work abroad.

This initiative aims for students to not only gain religious knowledge but also professional competencies to enter the workforce.

"We are preparing skills and networks for students who wish to work abroad, supporting them to become professionals," he elaborated.

Cak Imin stressed that these efforts are part of the transformation of pesantren to advance and respond to the current era.

He noted that the Forum for the Acceleration of Pesantren Transformation (FPTP) is continuously working to improve various aspects of pesantren education, including cognitive abilities, scientific knowledge, studies, curriculum, and infrastructure.

"FPTP is constantly weaving together the potentials of various resources to elevate the class, transforming them in terms of cognition, scientific knowledge, studies, curriculum, and infrastructure," he stated.