SEMARANG, Indonesia – Indonesia and China have taken a significant step forward in strengthening vocational maritime education by officially launching the Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy (SISTA) at the Vocational School of Diponegoro University. The academy is expected to become a collaborative platform connecting higher education, industry, and strategic partners to develop globally competitive maritime professionals.
The academy was officially established through the signing of a Framework Agreement between Jiangsu Shipping College (JSSC), China, the Vocational School of Diponegoro University, Zhongtian Technology Group Marine Engineering Co., Ltd., and the Nantong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Association (NTFEC). The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy monument, symbolizing the beginning of a long-term partnership between Indonesia and China in vocational maritime education.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Liu Fangwu, Director of Jiangsu Shipping College, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., Dean of the Vocational School of Diponegoro University, in the presence of Dr. Wijayanto, Vice Rector IV of Diponegoro University, together with university leaders, industry representatives, faculty members, and students from both countries.
From Partnership to Action
Unlike many international agreements that remain at the memorandum stage, the establishment of the academy was immediately followed by concrete implementation initiatives.
On the same occasion, a series of Implementation Agreements were signed involving 14 partner institutions and organizations, including five academic schools within Jiangsu Shipping College, maritime industries from Indonesia and China, and Indonesia’s leading maritime higher education institutions.
The academy also strengthened its collaboration with three Chinese companies and two Indonesian companies, reinforcing industry participation in vocational education from the very beginning.
Caption. Representatives of Jiangsu Shipping College, together with the heads of its academic schools and departments, sign the Implementation Agreement with the Vocational School of Diponegoro University, marking the first concrete step in implementing the Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy.
Implementation agreements were further signed with Politeknik Maritim Negeri Indonesia (Polimarin) and Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran (PIP) Semarang, creating a comprehensive collaboration among universities, industry, and maritime education institutions.
This integrated model reflects a modern university–industry partnership, ensuring that education, applied research, industrial practice, and international collaboration evolve together.
International Summer Course Marks the First Academic Program
The academy’s first major activity was launched through the International Summer Course 2026, attended by 103 students from Jiangsu Shipping College, Polimarin, and the Vocational School of Diponegoro University.
The Chinese delegation consisted of 25 students participating on-site, 50 students joining online, and 10 faculty members representing various academic disciplines.
The Summer Course featured lectures and discussions delivered through five academic study programs with international perspectives from China, the United States, Germany, Japan, and Malaysia.
Beyond classroom activities, participants joined cultural and academic exchanges designed to broaden global perspectives while strengthening collaboration among future maritime professionals.
One of the highlights of the program was a visit to the Zheng He Exhibition, where students explored the historical maritime connections between Indonesia and China dating back to the voyages of Admiral Zheng He several centuries ago.
Caption. Students from Jiangsu Shipping College, Politeknik Maritim Negeri Indonesia, and the Vocational School of Diponegoro University take part in the International Summer Course, including a visit to the Zheng He Exhibition to explore the history of maritime relations between Indonesia and China.
Responding to Global Maritime Challenges
As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia possesses enormous maritime potential. At the same time, rapid developments in shipbuilding, marine engineering, offshore industries, logistics, and maritime transportation require professionals equipped with international competencies and global perspectives.
Recognizing these challenges, the Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy aims to bridge higher education and industry by providing students with international exposure, applied learning experiences, collaborative research opportunities, and industry-oriented education.
The academy is expected to contribute to developing future maritime professionals who are technically competent, globally connected, and ready to meet the evolving demands of the international maritime industry.
Building Global Maritime Talent
Dean of the Vocational School of Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., described the establishment of the academy as a strategic milestone in advancing vocational education through international collaboration.
“We are not merely signing an agreement—we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects education, industry, and innovation. Through the Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy, we aim to provide greater international opportunities for our students, strengthen their global competencies, and prepare them for the future maritime industry.”
He emphasized that vocational education must continuously evolve by strengthening partnerships with industry and international institutions.
“The future of vocational education is built through collaboration. When universities, industries, and international partners work together, we are not only educating students—we are preparing global talents who will shape the future of the maritime industry.”
Strong Support from University and International Partners
Vice Rector IV of Diponegoro University, Dr. Wijayanto, welcomed the establishment of the academy, emphasizing that international collaboration has become an essential component of higher education development.
According to him, the initiative reflects Diponegoro University’s commitment to expanding meaningful international partnerships while strengthening its contribution to society through education, innovation, and global engagement.
Meanwhile, Mr. Liu Fangwu, Director of Jiangsu Shipping College, expressed his confidence in the long-term partnership between the two institutions.
“Diponegoro University is one of the well-known universities in Indonesia. We are confident this partnership will grow successfully. We warmly welcome lecturers and students from the Vocational School of Diponegoro University to visit Jiangsu Shipping College for academic exchanges, study visits, and collaborative programs.”
A New Silk Road of Knowledge
During the ceremony, Jiangsu Shipping College presented a Silk Road Map to the Vocational School of Diponegoro University as a symbol of friendship and the shared commitment to strengthening educational cooperation between Indonesia and China.
The symbolic gift reflects centuries of maritime interaction between the two nations while representing a new chapter of collaboration through education, technology, innovation, and human resource development.
Caption. The Director of Jiangsu Shipping College presents a replica of the Silk Road map to the Dean of the Vocational School of Diponegoro University as a symbol of friendship, knowledge exchange, and stronger maritime cooperation between Indonesia and China.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy serves as a collaborative platform connecting universities, industries, and strategic partners from Indonesia and China to advance vocational maritime education.
Its future programs will include student and faculty exchanges, joint training, applied research, curriculum development, professional certification, international internships, and innovation in shipbuilding technology.
Through this initiative, both countries aspire to cultivate a new generation of globally competitive maritime professionals while strengthening long-term cooperation in education, technology, and sustainable industrial development.
As highlighted during the academy’s inauguration:
“Partnership creates opportunities. Opportunities develop talents. Talents build the future.”
Tags
Indonesia, China, Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding
Technology Academy, Sekolah Vokasi Universitas Diponegoro, Jiangsu Shipping
College, Pendidikan Vokasi, Maritime Education, Shipbuilding Technology,
International Collaboration, Global Talent, International Summer Course,
World-Class Vocational School