Jakarta, Dec. 8 -- Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti encouraged Indonesian vocational high schools (SMK) to help harness regional agricultural potential to bolster national food security.

"We seek to further diversify vocational programs at SMKs, with a focus on agricultural competencies," he remarked during a symposium highlighting the connection between vocational education and food security in Jakarta on Monday.

Mu'ti noted that while many regions hold strong agricultural potential, a common perception persists among youth that careers in agriculture lack appeal. He believes vocational schools can help shift this mindset.

"I have learned that there is an SMK located near a tea plantation zone focusing on comput...