Sleman, May 16, 2025 — In support of strengthening industry-based vocational education, the Center of Excellence (CoE) Cocoa of the Field Research Center (FRC) at Sekolah Vokasi Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a National Webinar entitled “Strategies for Implementation and Governance of Teaching Factory in Higher Education”, hosted via Zoom Meeting. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goals related to equitable access to education and education for sustainability.
The event gathered over 30 participants, including lecturers, study program managers, learning center coordinators, and educators from various universities across Indonesia. The webinar was officially opened by Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., M.T., Vice Dean for Research and Community Engagement of Sekolah Vokasi UGM, who emphasized the importance of integrating teaching and production processes to produce vocational graduates who are competent and industry-ready.
Two keynote speakers were featured in the main session, offering both strategic and technical insights. The first speaker, Dr. Fajriyati Mas’ud, S.T.P., M.Si. (Coordinator of the Applied Bachelor Program in Industrial Chemical Technology at Politeknik Ujung Pandang), presented on “Integrating Teaching Factory into Problem-Based Learning (PBL).” She explained that combining TeFa and PBL creates a more contextual and challenging learning environment, while also enhancing students’ soft skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
The second speaker, Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Darmawan, M.P. (Director of Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Pangkajene Kepulauan for the 2016–2025 term), delivered a presentation on “Teaching Factory Governance and Supporting Documentation.” He underscored the importance of formal documentation, such as adherence to SNI standards and ISO-based business processes, in ensuring effective Teaching Factory implementation.
During the Q&A session, participants actively engaged in discussions, asking practical questions about sustainable and industry-oriented TeFa management. This interactive dialogue allowed for the exchange of experiences and best practices among educators and institutional leaders.
“This webinar offered many insightful and applicable ideas, especially regarding cocoa-based Teaching Factory development and the strategic steps needed to fully integrate TeFa into the curriculum,” said Sang Norma Lintang A., S.T., M.T., Coordinator of the CoE Cocoa FRC UGM.
Through this activity, Sekolah Vokasi UGM aims to encourage more higher education institutions to develop effective, professional, and industry-relevant Teaching Factories. This aligns with the SDG goal of promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The webinar also highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, industry partners, and government bodies to build an ecosystem that fosters industrial diversification and innovation in vocational education. Such cooperation is essential to create a strong framework that enhances access to education and prepares students for the challenges of the future workforce.
In conclusion, this initiative by CoE Cocoa FRC UGM marks a significant step toward implementing sustainable educational practices in Indonesia, ensuring that vocational training remains not only relevant but also responsive to the evolving demands of industry.