Minister for Finance of Singapore Visits Bilateral Project in Kendal Regency; Preparation for the Absorption of Competent Manpower

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.