United Tractors Boosts School Success at SMK BISA Astra Showcase

A group photo of United Tractors, Astra, and SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit after signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the National Showcase SMK status.

SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit, one of the fostered United Tractors (SOBAT) schools, successfully achieves the National Showcase SMK BISA Astra status from PT Astra International Tbk (Astra). This award is tangible proof of the school’s success in implementing a vocational education concept aligned with industry needs while strengthening collaboration between schools and the business and industrial sectors.

The National Showcase SMK BISA Astra program is an initiative by Astra to comprehensively develop vocational schools by establishing them as national-level references for vocational education. The official designation of SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit as a National Showcase was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Principal of SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit, Dra. Hj. Siti Maimunah, M.Pd., and Astra’s Strategic Management representative, Herlambang Laksamana Firdaus. The event occurred at SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit, Malang, on January 25, 2025.

“The collaboration between vocational schools and the industrial sector is a key element in creating graduates who are ready to face the challenges of the workforce. The National Showcase SMK BISA Astra program is one of the Company’s efforts to create impactful synergy. This achievement demonstrates that SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit has successfully implemented the link and match concept, enabling it to produce graduates with excellent competencies that meet industry demands,” said United Tractors’ Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Himawan Sutanto.

The official designation of SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit as a National Showcase (left photo). SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit students operating heavy equipment (right photo).

This achievement reflects SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit’s success in applying the link and match concept between vocational schools and the industry through three key programs: strengthening curriculum synchronization with the industry, enhancing teacher competencies through training and knowledge-sharing sessions from industry practitioners, and facilitating student employment through recruitment collaborations between the school and companies.

As part of the event series, the inauguration of the Heavy Equipment Engineering Teaching Factory (TeFa) Workshop is also held, attended by the Branch Operational Head of UT Surabaya Branch, Badrun Radhi, along with representatives from UT Head Office CSR. This Teaching Factory serves as a practical laboratory for students to enhance their technical skills in heavy equipment, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in operating and maintaining industrial equipment.

Additionally, the event features a school tour, where guests explore school facilities and understand project-based learning methods. As a gesture of social responsibility, a charity session for orphans also takes place, involving the school and industry partners as a contribution to the surrounding community. Through this achievement, it is hoped that SMK Bina Bangsa Dampit inspires other vocational schools to continue strengthening their synergy with the industry, ensuring that vocational school graduates gain broader practical knowledge and experience. This aligns with the Company’s commitment to support national development by enhancing education access for communities around its operational areas.

United Tractors’ Overview

PT United Tractors Tbk (UT), established in 1972, is Indonesia’s largest heavy equipment distributor. The company operates in five business areas: Construction Machinery, Mining Contracting, Mining, Construction Industry, and Energy. UT is committed to promoting sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ESG United Tractors

As a world-class heavy equipment, mining, and energy company, UT has been operating in Indonesia for over 51 years. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future for Indonesia by effectively applying ESG principles. UT aims to pay attention to the environment, positively impact society, and uphold good corporate governance at all levels of its business operations. The company also strives to optimize its competencies, expertise, and strategic assets to bring added value to all stakeholders and the Indonesian people.