Yohanes C. Sutama, Head of the Automotive Engine Maintenance Study Program of Politeknik Manufaktur Astra (Polman Astra), gave insights in the school's cooperation with a German senior technical expert.
Q1: Could you briefly share with us what the purpose of the SES assignment was for Polman Astra?
A1: Politeknik Manufaktur Astra as a higher vocational education institution understands the need to improve the quality of its education. Therefore, in order to achieve it we鈥檙e looking up to several countries which has good quality of vocational education, especially Germany as the role model of vocational education in the world with the famous Dual Ausbildung system. In 2019, we鈥檝e heard that EKONID has been appointed as representative for the program of Senior Experten Service (SES). It matched our needs to have a german vocational expertise in order to improve our vocational education program.
Q2: How did EKONID as local SES representative support Polman Astra for the preparation and during the assignment?
A2: The role of the representative is vital in the implementation of the program, so far representative could manage our internal communication running smoothly. Hopefully, EKONID as the official representative of SES in Indonesia could socialize the program to more institution/company in the near future by doing webinar or talk show.
Q3: How would you describe your daily cooperation with the SES expert?
A3: The program made it possible for us to gain expertise support from German senior expert who鈥檝e been involved in the industry for years. Hence, in terms of Fachkentnisse (specialized knowledge), the expert is really reliable.
Q4: What was the most challenging part and how did you manage to overcome it together with the SES expert?
A4: The most challenging part that we were facing was the differences of culture, language, and regulation. Experts that came from Germany might takes time to adapt with those conditions. At the end of the day with cooperation, we could overcome those challenges
Q5: What kind of overall benefit did your company get from the assignment of the SES expert?
A5: This program is beneficial, the expert provided us recommendation on what to be improved in the planning and implementation of our education program, whether it鈥檚 technical and managerial recommendations.
Q6: Would you recommend SES to other companies/institutions that might be interested in this program?
A6: Of course, this program is really beneficial, especially to those who鈥檚 interested in vocational expertise. Furthermore, please keep in mind that the accommodation plays an important role in order to fulfill the requirement of assigning the expert to help your company/institution. Therefore, don鈥檛 hesitate to contact representative to provide assistance on this matter.
Q7: Since the termination of the SES assignment, which measures did Polman Astra take to fulfill the recommendations that the SES expert gave?
A7: We鈥檝e been doing direct and gradual improvement on the basis of recommendation from the expert. We鈥檝e managed to upgrade the quality of our equipment to support the learning and teaching process. On the other hand, gradual improvement that we鈥檙e still working on is the managerial and manpower planning