Polytechnic Astra (ASTRAtech) and the German-Indonesian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (大象传媒 Indonesia/EKONID) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in high-quality vocational education based on German standards. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to equipping Indonesian students with internationally recognized qualifications and preparing them for global employment opportunities, including in Germany.
The MoU was signed by Richardus Henri Paul, Director of ASTRAtech, and Jan H. Rönnfeld, Executive Director of EKONID, at ASTRAtech’s Cikarang campus. The ceremony was attended by high-level guests, including Peter Adrian, President of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), and Dr. Volker Treier, Chief Executive of Foreign Trade at DIHK. The Indonesian government was represented by Chairul Saleh, Assistant Deputy for Labor Ecosystem Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
Strengthening the German-Indonesian Dual System
The collaboration marks a milestone in ASTRAtech’s adoption of the German Dual Vocational Education and Training (GDVET) model. Under the MoU, both parties aim to enhance ASTRAtech’s existing Diploma 3 (D3) Automotive Machinery program by upgrading it to meet DIHK “A” level standards. A feasibility study will also be conducted to establish a new Diploma 4 (D4) program in Automotive Mechatronics, designed to further align with German benchmarks.
Key areas of cooperation include:
- Curriculum enhancement and additional modules to achieve DIHK “A” level classification.
- Joint development and promotion of the D3 and future D4 programs to German industry partners.
- German language training for students, integrated either on-campus or as extracurricular activities.
- Certification of graduates based on GDVET standards.
- Exploration of similar models across other academic disciplines within ASTRAtech.
EKONID will serve as ASTRAtech’s exclusive partner in curriculum development and in creating pathways for Indonesian graduates to enter the German labor market.
Institutional Commitment to Talent Development
ASTRAtech’s dual education approach has been evolving since 2015 with support from EKONID, DIHK, and both Indonesian and German stakeholders. According to Hamdani Dzulkarnaen Salim, Director of Astra and Chair of the Astra Foundation’s Supervisory Board, ASTRAtech’s educational model is the first in Asia to integrate Meister-level German qualifications for the automotive sector.
“This campus is a practical learning center focused on industrial relevance. Our aim is to produce talent that meets global standards, both in skills and language,” said Mr. Salim.
Mr. Rönnfeld emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership: “This agreement is a continuation of a strong collaboration that supports not only the development of vocational education, but also the international mobility of Indonesian talent.”
Mr. Adrian underscored the broader opportunity: “This is more than just a partnership—it is a shared belief in empowering young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need in today’s global economy.”
Mr. Sugiarto, President Commissioner of Astra, also welcomed the renewed commitment: “We believe in dreams that never stop. Through this collaboration, we hope to nurture a generation that is not only technically capable but also proficient in German, and globally competitive.”
Mr. Saleh expressed support for the initiative, calling it part of a broader vision to build a strong vocational education ecosystem in Indonesia.
“This collaboration is aligned with our national priorities—improving graduate quality, matching industry needs, and preparing our youth for global opportunities,” he said.