May 19, 2022
Kendal, 19 May 2022 – Indonesia and Singapore have enjoyed good
bilateral relationship. To symbolize the harmonious relationship between the
two countries, there are several on-going projects jointly supported by both
governments. One of which is Kendal Industrial Park. Kendal Industrial Park was
jointed launched by President Joko Widodo of Indonesia and Prime Minister Lee
Hsien Loong of Singapore in November 2016.
On May 19, 2022 the Minister of Finance of Singapore, Lawrence Wong
visited Kendal Regency and Kendal SEZ (Kendal Industrial Park) to witness the
progress of industrial park.
“I am very impressed with the industrial development at Kendal Industrial
Park during the pandemic until now. The
activities in this industrial park are progressing well, construction is
proceeding ahead, production activities are still running, and companies are
still recruiting workers. This is very impressive result,” said Lawrence Wong
in his remarks at the Kendal Regent's Office.
During the visit, Lawrence Wong witnessed the delivery of Training
Certificates to 100 workers who have graduated from the PKS (Cooperation
Agreement) training program which is a joint program between the Kendal
Regency, Ministry of Industry of Indonesia and Kendal Industrial Park.
Arus Gunawan, Head of BPSDMI at the Ministry of Industry, explained that
the PKS Program is a program belonging to the Ministry of Industry, in
collaboration with local governments in creating skilled workers that match
with industry needs. To date, the realization of the PKS program in Kendal has
successfully conducted the training for 300 workers.
“PKS or Link and Match Program is basically a government program that
connects vocational and industry within a framework that includes curriculum
alignment. This program is free of charge, business entities only need to
submit the required skill specifications, then we will prepare and train
prospective workers. All the business entities need to do is to hire them upon
graduation. That will save a lot of time and energy for the business entities.”
said Arus.
Meanwhile, Stanley Ang as President Director of Kendal Industrial Park
said there is no need to worry about the availability of human resources,
“Together with the local government and the Ministry of Industry we will ensure
that there will be properly trained workers for all our business entities
regardless of types of industry."
During the visit of the Minister of Finance of Singapore, the Regent of
Kendal, Dico Ganinduto shared several future plans for the development of
Kendal. "In addition to the PKS program, we are also preparing the Kendal
E-Career application as a forum for recruiting local residents. I hope that
with the development of Kendal Industrial Park job opportunities will expand,
and thus reduce unemployment, and poverty in Kendal Regency.