Following the success of the reconstruction of Bayat State School Compound (TK, SD, SMP) that was devastated by Jogja earthquake in May 2006, now ROTA, Titian Foundation and the Government of Klaten Regency are working together again in the development of Vocational School. The groundbreaking ceremony was conducted on 17 September, chaired by Mr. Samiadji – Vice Regent of Klaten. Attending the ceremony were also Mrs. Lily Kasoem – the founder and chairman of Titian Foundation, Iman Persada – staff of ROTA Indonesia, Haryanto Nurhadi – the project officer, Titianers, government officials and community leaders. SMK Bayat is fully funded by ROTA. Titian Foundation functions as the facilitator while the Government of Klaten Regency provides the land, teacher, curriculum and legal matters assistance.
The vocational type of school is chosen on purpose. As we might already know, Indonesia nowadays face a significantly high unemployment rate. The gap between the quality of graduate with the industry demand of well-skilled man power is quite high. The link & match system is not really well developed. The soon-to-be SMK Bayat is meant to fill in the gap. The founder is committed to provide sufficient facilities for the students to enrich their knowledge and sharpen their skills. The curriculum contains not only technical skills but also the knowledge of marketing and design trend. The goal is to enable them to be highly competitive and independent individuals. They will also be prepared with required skills to open up a small business so thatthey are able create a job opportunity, not only for themselves but also for people in neighborhood.
In the future, SMK Bayat will build a close relationship with various parties –domestic and international– to boost the student’s technical and design skill. Prof. Chitaru Kawasaki –the Japanese Ceramic Expert and also the founder of “Save Putaran Miring Society”– had already been committed to actively participate in the school project. He had been involved since the very beginning, providing not only valuable insight on the curriculum but also advising the ideal lay out of the workshop and providing the international networking.
SMK Bayat will occupy 28,955 m2 of land and will be able to accommodate 400 students. The facilities include: classrooms and administration office, 2 workshop (ceramic and tekstil), 2 laboratorium (language and design), library, tennis court, cafeteria and mosque. A 2 guest-houses to accommodate the guest lecturers as well as 2 school-guard housing facility will be added into the vicinity. Another focal feature is a commercial gallery, where the students can showcase their best creations for public sales. The idea is that the students will be more encouraged to produce more artworks and achieve a better quality. SMK Bayat will be ready to take in new students from Bayat and surrounding areas in the upcoming school year: 2009 – 2010. The admission and administration procedures will follow the standard of state vocational school.