Jakarta, INTI - The Embassy of Switzerland in Jakarta has launched Swiss Future Week 2026, offering approximately 300 Indonesian students the opportunity to explore various professions, industry sectors, and emerging technologies through direct visits to companies and vocational education institutions.

The program was officially launched at The Habibie and Ainun Library in Jakarta on Monday, November 9, 2026, as part of efforts to broaden young people's understanding of career opportunities and evolving workforce demands.

Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia Konstantin Obolensky said the initiative was designed to give students firsthand exposure to professional working environments.

Around 300 students from different educational levels are scheduled to visit Swiss companies and Swiss-supported polytechnics across Jakarta, Bandung, Bekasi, and Tangerang.

The initiative also forms part of the activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Switzerland.

300 Students Explore Diverse Career Opportunities

Swiss Ambassador Konstantin Obolensky explained that Swiss Future Week aims to help students understand the different career paths available to them in the future.

Through direct workplace visits, participants are expected to gain insights into professional activities that they may previously have encountered only through classroom learning.

"After these visits, we hope every student will take something new home: a broader understanding of the professions available, a clearer picture of the different career paths open to them, and the confidence that these opportunities are within their reach," Ambassador Obolensky said.

Participants come from various educational levels, including elementary, junior high, senior high, and vocational high schools.

During the visits, students will have the opportunity to meet professionals and learn about their experiences in developing their careers.

They will also observe business operations firsthand, including how machinery and technology are utilized in industrial processes.

Participating companies represent a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, chemicals, manufacturing, finance, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.

This diversity provides students with valuable exposure to different career options, helping them identify opportunities that align with their individual interests and abilities.

Swiss Future Week Draws Inspiration from Switzerland's Educational Tradition

Obolensky explained that Swiss Future Week was inspired by Switzerland's National Future Day, known locally as National Zukunftstag, which has been held since 2001.

The initiative takes place every second Thursday of November, giving students an opportunity to experience the professional world firsthand.

As part of this tradition, students can spend a day at the workplace of their parents or relatives to gain insights into different professions and understand everyday working activities.

According to Obolensky, early exposure to professional environments can help young people discover interests in careers they may never have previously considered.

The program also seeks to promote equal opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

As a result, career exploration is not limited to students at particular educational levels but also extends to children in elementary school.

Switzerland Highlights the Importance of Vocational Education and Industrial Skills

During the launch, Obolensky also emphasized the role of vocational education in preparing young people to meet future workforce demands.

He explained that approximately two-thirds of young people in Switzerland choose vocational education and training after completing compulsory schooling.

This system enables students to develop practical professional skills while preparing them for employment.

Obolensky noted that close collaboration between educational institutions and industry is one of the key factors supporting Switzerland's strong innovation performance.

Switzerland has maintained its position as the world's most innovative country for 16 consecutive years.

In skills development, Switzerland and Indonesia have maintained cooperation for more than 50 years.

This partnership has developed through various bilateral initiatives, particularly in the fields of economic cooperation, development, and vocational education.

Obolensky also recognized the contributions of Swiss companies operating in Indonesia to the development of the local workforce.

These companies not only invest and provide employment opportunities for thousands of Indonesian workers but also support workforce development through training initiatives and structured apprenticeship programs.

Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti Supports Early Career Exposure

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti welcomed the implementation of Swiss Future Week 2026, highlighting its value in providing Indonesian students with practical learning experiences.

According to Abdul Mu'ti, the initiative aligns with the deep learning approach promoted by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

This approach emphasizes meaningful learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

"Learning should be mindful, meaningful, and joyful. What children learn in the classroom comes to life through experience," he said.

Through visits to companies and vocational education institutions, students can better understand how academic knowledge is applied in professional environments.

The initiative also serves as a platform to introduce young people to the relationship between education, skills development, and industrial requirements.

Swiss Future Week Marks 75 Years of Indonesia-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations

The launch of Swiss Future Week 2026 is among the initiatives organized to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Switzerland.

Obolensky said the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the achievements of bilateral cooperation but also to strengthen investments in the development of future generations.

He emphasized that young people will play an important role in shaping the future of relations between the two countries.

Through Swiss Future Week, Indonesia and Switzerland aim to expand cooperation in education and human resource development by bringing together students, educational institutions, and industry players.

The program is expected to help Indonesian students explore career opportunities from an early age while gaining a better understanding of the skills required in the future workforce.

Conclusion

Swiss Future Week 2026 highlights the importance of introducing young generations to professional environments, emerging technologies, and diverse career opportunities from an early age. By connecting students with industry professionals and vocational education institutions, the initiative helps bridge the gap between education and workforce requirements. The collaboration between Indonesia and Switzerland also reinforces the importance of vocational training, practical skills development, and industry partnerships in preparing future generations to navigate an increasingly technology-driven economy.

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