Yogyakarta, 23 September 2025 – The Sekolah Vokasi of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM) concluded the INOVOKASIA 2025 series with a Public Dialogue titled “Science and Technology for Creative and Sustainable Vocational Education” held at the Teaching Industry Learning Center (TILC) Ballroom, UGM.
The event attracted more than 2,700 visitors over two days, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for vocational innovation, applied research, and creative products showcased through the Vocational Innovation Exhibition, workshops, and SV UGM Career Days #5 job fair.
The Public Dialogue featured Ni Made Dwi Panti Indrayanti, S.T., M.T. (Regional Secretary of Yogyakarta Special Region), Prof. Dr. Eng. Yudi Darma, M.Si. (Director of Research Dissemination and Science & Technology Utilization, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology), and Afidha Fajar Adhitya (Founder & Director of Eboni Watch), moderated by Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., M.T. (Vice Dean for Research and Community Service, SV UGM).
In his remarks, Dean of SV UGM, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM., ASEAN Eng., expressed his appreciation to all industry partners, government institutions, and academics for their support.
“Our Career Days, held twice a year, are not just internship or recruitment events—they are real bridges connecting students with industries. Our data show that SV UGM graduates are employed within an average of 3.5 months, with around 30 percent already earning above the regional minimum wage,” he said.
He added that the transition from diploma (D3) to bachelor of applied science (D4) has significantly improved graduate quality.
“With support from over 70 partner companies regularly joining industry gatherings, we are confident SV UGM graduates will remain highly relevant to future industrial needs,” he added.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Yudi Darma, M.Si., highlighted the public optimism for vocational education.
“Yogyakarta has a high level of education participation and literacy. INOVOKASIA 2025 proves that vocational education is now a growing hope for the community. Universities and research institutions are key producers of science and technology—hence, it is crucial to ensure research results are known, accessible, and useful to society,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti, S.T., M.T., emphasized the importance of vocational education that is reflective and responsive to sustainability issues.
“Vocational education should not stop at producing the workforce—it must also serve as a real solution that supports sustainability and provides broad access, especially for underprivileged communities,” she said.
The INOVOKASIA 2025 series — including Career Days, Vocational Innovation Exhibition, GIK Special Workshop, and Public Dialogue — reflects SV UGM’s commitment to building a collaborative and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Prof. Agus Maryono concluded the event by encouraging the academic community to ensure their innovations go beyond research and truly contribute to society, industry, and the nation.