Malanginspirasi.com – Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, expressed her deep appreciation for SMK PGRI 3 Malang during the closing ceremony of the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) and the School Love Activity (KCS) held at the Sudirman Field of the Pusdik Arhanud Malang on Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025.
Governor Khofifah praised this vocational school as an extraordinary institution because it successfully attracts students from various provinces across Indonesia, including regions such as Flores, Medan, and Batam.
She noted that the trust given to SMK PGRI 3 Malang is remarkable.
“Within the first 48 minutes of the registration system opening, many departments already exceeded their capacity. This indicates that these majors are directly connected to the business and industrial world as well as the workforce,” she explained.
Governor Khofifah also personally monitored the school registration system in East Java.
Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of building students’ character from the beginning through activities that strengthen nationalism, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle, as well as avoiding drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes in preparation for Indonesia’s Golden Era in 2045.
“Vocational schools can achieve success; vocational schools can be great. And East Java’s champion is indeed SMK PGRI Malang,” she asserted.
She also encouraged students to study diligently and develop strong character.
Governor Khofifah highlighted the connection between vocational majors and the worlds of business and industry (DUDI), alongside the need to adapt to technological advances such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
She explained that AI is now utilized across all sectors, meaning every vocational school must continuously improve.
Meanwhile, The Head of East Java Provincial Education Office, Aries Agung Paewai, who was also present, stressed that collaboration between vocational schools and DUDI is key to maintaining the high employment absorption rate of vocational school graduates in East Java.
“Their role should not be limited to academics or technical skills alone. There must be collaboration to achieve outcomes desired by the industrial and business sectors,” he stated.
This year’s MPLS activity involved 989 new students who received character education and nationalism training through an in-depth curriculum, including the Tri Astha Garda Niskala and deep learning methods.
The Principal of SMK PGRI 3 Malang, M. Lukman Hakim, explained that beyond strengthening mental resilience and discipline, students were also taught values against bullying, drug abuse, online gambling dangers, and sexual violence education.
“We hope that holding this event at Pusdik Arhanud not only strengthens their mental endurance but also shapes their character and fosters love for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI),” he added.
Governor Khofifah hopes the success of SMK PGRI 3 Malang will serve as a model for other vocational schools across East Java and Indonesia.
She expressed optimism that quality vocational school graduates with strong character will play an essential role in national development.
“These children must live healthily to welcome Indonesia’s Golden Era in 2045. They must be physically healthy, psychologically sound, and possess strong character. Approaches like these, in my opinion, will provide significant added value,” concluded Khofifah.
