Indonesia, China launch joint shipbuilding technology academy

Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Indonesia and China have strengthened vocational education in the maritime sector by establishing the Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy (SISTA), based at Diponegoro University in Semarang, Central Java.

The establishment was marked by the signing of a framework agreement on Wednesday, July 15, between Diponegoro University's Vocational School and three Chinese partners: Jiangsu Shipping College (JSSC), Zhongtian Technology Group Marine Engineering Co., Ltd., and the Nantong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Association (NTFEC).

Diponegoro University's Vocational School Dean, Professor Budiyono, said on Thursday that SISTA is a strategic step toward strengthening partnerships to cultivate globally competitive maritime talent.

The academy is designed to serve as a platform for universities, industries, and strategic partners from both Indonesia and China to nurture new professionals to develop the two countries' maritime sectors.

"We are building a collaboration ecosystem that connects education, industry, and innovation," Professor Budiyono said.

Budiyono added that through SISTA, Diponegoro University will provide greater opportunities for students to experience international education, develop their competitiveness, and prepare for the future of the maritime industry.

Meanwhile, an implementation agreement on maritime vocational cooperation was signed among five departments within JSSC, the Indonesian State Maritime Polytechnic (Polimarin), the Semarang Maritime Polytechnic (PIP), and several private companies.

A separate cooperation agreement was also signed with three Chinese and two Indonesian firms to bolster industry participation in maritime vocational education at the new academy.

JSSC Director Liu Fangwu expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that the collaboration will be realized through academic exchanges, study visits, and joint programs.

Coinciding with the academy's launch, Diponegoro University, Polimarin, and JSSC also inaugurated a joint international summer course, drawing the participation of over 100 students from the three campuses.

Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Nabil Ihsan

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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