Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Akses, a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing equal access to quality digital human resources across Indonesia. This commitment is demonstrated through the inauguration of Fiber Optic Laboratories at vocational high schools (SMKs) in the country’s 3T regions (frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped areas).
The inauguration ceremony was held in a hybrid format on Friday, June 26, with the main event taking place at SMKN 1 Tuhemberua, North Nias Regency, North Sumatra. The event was also connected virtually with SMKN 1 Kupang Regency in East Nusa Tenggara and SMKN 1 Sorong Regency in Southwest Papua.
This initiative is part of a collaboration agreement between Telkom Akses and the Directorate General of Vocational Education, Special Education, and Special Services Education under Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The partnership focuses on strengthening vocational education competencies in 3T regions.
Through this program, Telkom Akses aims to expand access to technology-based education while preparing a workforce equipped with skills aligned with the needs of the telecommunications and digital industries.
Nizar, Director of Human Capital and Information Technology at Telkom Akses, emphasized that industry players have a responsibility to help build a vocational education ecosystem capable of producing job-ready digital talent.
"Indonesia’s digital transformation cannot reach its full potential if human resource development remains concentrated in major cities. Industry has an important role in expanding access to education and skills development, including in 3T regions that still face various limitations," Nizar said.
He added that equal distribution of human resource quality is essential to ensure that digital transformation benefits all regions of Indonesia, including areas with limited educational infrastructure.
Enhancing Teacher and Student Competencies in Vocational Schools
The education support program, valued at more than IDR 100 million, will run for six months and targets three schools designated by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: SMKN 1 Tuhemberua (North Nias), SMKN 1 Kupang Regency, and SMKN 1 Sorong Regency.
A key focus of the program is improving teacher competencies through an intensive five-day training. The curriculum is designed to align with current telecommunications industry standards.
Training topics include fiber optic fundamentals, installation of Integrated Optical Distribution Network (IODN) equipment, access network deployment, fiber splicing techniques, and optical network measurement.
After completing the training, all participants received a Basic Level Competency Certificate, equivalent to Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI) Level 3. This certification is expected to equip teachers with the necessary skills to transfer knowledge effectively to their students.
In addition to teacher training, Telkom Akses also developed Fiber Optic Laboratories equipped with practical simulation tools such as Joint Closures, Optical Distribution Points (ODPs), utility poles with supporting accessories, and customer home simulation boards. These tools are designed to replicate real-world working environments in the telecommunications sector.
The laboratories were developed by the Telkom Akses Fiber Academy through cross-unit collaboration within the company, aiming to create more applied and industry-relevant learning experiences.
Nizar expressed hope that the Fiber Academy CSR initiative would open broader opportunities for students across Indonesia to develop into professional digital talent.
"Through collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and vocational schools, industry can deliver more relevant learning experiences by providing practical facilities, improving teacher competencies, and offering certification. This allows more talent from various regions to grow and contribute to Indonesia’s digital industry advancement," he said.
The program is expected to benefit more than 1,400 students across the three participating vocational schools. In addition to improved learning facilities, students also gain opportunities to participate in on-the-job training (internships) at nearby Telkom Automatic Telephone Exchange (STO) facilities for up to six months.
This hands-on experience is designed to strengthen students’ technical capabilities while introducing them to real working environments in the telecommunications industry.
Looking ahead, the newly established laboratories are expected to serve as long-term learning centers for both teachers and students, continuously improving vocational education quality in 3T regions.
Through collaboration with the government and vocational schools, Telkom Akses reaffirms its commitment to promoting equitable digital competency development across Indonesia, supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda and nurturing a more competitive digital workforce.
Conclusion
Through the establishment of Fiber Optic Laboratories in Indonesia’s 3T vocational schools, Telkom Akses is strengthening both infrastructure-based education and digital talent development. The initiative enhances teacher competencies, provides hands-on industry training, and expands access to practical learning, helping prepare more than 1,400 students for careers in the telecommunications and digital sectors while supporting more equitable digital transformation across Indonesia.
Read more: Telkom Akses Opens Fiber Optic Laboratory in Indonesia's 3T Regions to Strengthen Digital Talent