Visit of the Director General of the Institute of Science and Technology to eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic
Friday, March 23 2018, at exactly 17.00, a team from the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education arrived at Komodo Airport to visit and monitor preparations for the eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic campus.
Dr. Ir. Patdono Suwignjo, M.Eng.Sc., Director General of the Institute of Science and Technology and Higher Education, accompanied by Drs. Sudarsono, Head of the Vocational Higher Education Program Development Subdirectorate, as well as several other members of the ministry team, were welcomed by the Regent of West Manggarai, Drs. Augustine Ch. Dula, Coordinator of Kopertis Region VIII, Prof. Dr. I Nengah Dasi Astawa, as well as the administrators of the Bangkit Anak Negeriku Foundation. The welcoming ceremony is carried out traditionally by one of the traditional leaders and a team from the West Manggarai Regency Tourism and Culture Office with the handover of chicken and palm wine as well as the wearing of a Manggarai patterned shawl as a symbol of welcoming guests of honor.
After resting in the VIP room at Komodo Airport, the Ministry of Research and Higher Education team immediately inspected the campus construction site in the Lancang area to check the physical readiness of the eLBajo Commodus Polytechnic building. Then the event continued with a meeting and short discussion at the Jayakarta Hotel regarding the direction of vocational education. In his presentation, Dr. Ir. Patdono Suwignjo, M.Eng.Sc. said that the establishment of a Tourism Polytechnic in priority tourism destination areas is in line with the central program because Labuan Bajo is included in the 10 “Bali Baru” determined by the Ministry of Tourism. Apart from that, he also emphasized that in establishing higher education institutions, it is necessary to pay attention to the availability of lecturers (one study program with 6 permanent lecturers) as well as land and infrastructure readiness, namely the existence of campus buildings with adequate classrooms and other supporting facilities needed.
Patdono also emphasized that there should be no unemployed Polytechnic graduates. “In addition to the diploma, Polytechnic graduates will receive a competency certificate issued by the Professional Certification Institute (LSP). Currently, industrial companies will usually see the certificate,” he stressed. Apart from that, according to Patdono, the concept of dual system education (dual system) from Germany will also be adopted in 2019 which applies 50% of on-campus learning and 50% of internship practices in industry. Another concept that can also be applied to the vocational curriculum is the 3 + 2 + 1 system, namely three active semesters on campus, two practical semesters in industry, and one final semester on campus or industry.
