Historic Visit, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology to Babel State Polman, Opens New Collaboration Opportunities
Director of the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel), I Made Andik Setiawan, M.Eng., Ph.D., gave an in-depth explanation of various superior campus programs to the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Wamen Dikti Saintek), Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D., and her entourage. On this occasion, he explained the development of vocational education at Polman Babel, the technology-based innovations that have been implemented, as well as the campus' efforts to produce graduates who are ready to compete in the industrial world. This visit became an arena for strategic discussions to strengthen collaboration in improving the quality of education and expanding access to technology in Bangka Belitung
Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel) had the honor of receiving a visit from the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Wamen Dikti Saintek), Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D. This visit aims to directly observe the development of science and technology-based education and explore opportunities for collaboration in improving the quality of education in Bangka Belitung, Sunday (09/02/2025).
Also present in the group, Acting Acting. Governor of Bangka Belitung, Sugito, and Acting. Bangka Regent, Isnaini, along with a number of officials from the Bangka Provincial Government (Pemprov) and Regency Government (Pemkab).
Upon arrival at Polman Babel, he was greeted directly by the Director of Polman Babel, I Made Andik Setiawan, M.Eng., Ph.D., along with the academic community. An impressive atmosphere colored the meeting which discussed various aspects of vocational education development in the region.
In his speech, I Made Andik spoke about Polman Babel in providing quality education based on academic excellence and industrial skills. Visit of Prof. Stella and her entourage are an honor for us. "This opens up a great opportunity to strengthen synergy in developing vocational education in Bangka Belitung," he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D said the importance of equal access to quality education throughout Indonesia, in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto's vision.
"We want to ensure that the government's superior programs run optimally in every region, including Bangka Belitung. Collaboration with Polman Babel is very important to encourage innovation and increase the competitiveness of human resources," he said.
One of the initiatives discussed is the plan to establish Garuda Superior High School in Bangka Belitung, we have conducted a survey and see great potential in the development of this superior school.
"We hope that this project can be realized soon with the support of various parties, including Polman Babel. This is also part of efforts to encourage economic growth through quality education," he added.
During the meeting, Prof. Stella also highlighted her party's struggle in a meeting with the DPR RI regarding lecturer performance allowances (tukin). "We have been fighting for this from the start so that it can be approved and realized immediately," he said.
Apart from that, he emphasized the importance of economic diversification in Bangka Belitung so that it does not depend on the tin sector. The plantation and livestock sectors have great potential that must be developed. "Technology-based education can be the main catalyst in driving regional economic transformation," he explained.
Prof. Stella closed her visit with a promise to return to Polman Babel to follow up on various cooperation plans. "We hope that this visit will pave the way for closer collaboration between Polman Babel and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology in creating an educational ecosystem that is adaptive, innovative and relevant to industry needs," he concluded.
