Bandung, August 26, 2025 – As a concrete step to strengthen competitiveness and enhance the skills of the younger generation, social enterprise PT BISA Ruang Nuswantara (BIRU), together with Indonesia’s largest home improvement retailer, PT Daya Intiguna Yasa Tbk (MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia), has launched a Teaching Factory program at SMKN 1 Katapang, Bandung Regency, West Java. This initiative integrates classroom learning with real industry experience, driven by the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, where today’s youth are prepared to become both change-makers and future leaders. Such a strategic role can only be realized through comprehensive support from multiple stakeholders, particularly in ensuring access to quality education that sharpens potential and competitiveness.

The Teaching Factory program includes training in Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines, teacher capacity building, and ongoing support from BIRU and MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia. A key product developed under this initiative is the Alugoro copper hammer—a simple yet essential tool in the construction, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Production will follow a collaborative process applying circular economy principles, using recycled materials to create added value while reducing environmental impact. Students will gain direct industry experience while also earning official certifications.

Kanya Stira Sjahrir, CEO of BIRU, stated:

“Together with MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia, BIRU reaffirms its vision of empowering young people to face the future, compete globally, and contribute to long-term growth. The Teaching Factory is a blueprint for industry–education collaboration that creates real skills, products, and opportunities. By equipping both students and teachers with competencies aligned with industry needs, we are preparing them for today’s jobs while laying the foundation for tomorrow’s workforce. We hope this model can be scaled nationwide to foster inclusive, impactful, and sustainable growth.”

The collaboration between BIRU and MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia also reflects their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 4: Quality Education, as well as to the global adoption of circular economy practices. More than just training, the Teaching Factory combines vocational learning with three months of hands-on industry experience, strengthening student skills and enhancing teacher capacity to remain relevant to labor market needs.

Edwin Cheah, President Director of MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia, added:

“MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia is committed to growing sustainably alongside the Indonesian people. We believe that advancing Indonesia’s youth is a shared responsibility. That is why this collaboration with BIRU represents MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia’s strong commitment to nation-building in our role and capacity. This inaugural collaboration is also part of our flagship program, MR.D.I.Y. untuk Indonesia. We hope this initiative will be well-received by SMKN 1 Katapang and help strengthen the competitiveness of vocational graduates—making them competent, inclusive, job-ready, and drivers of local innovation—while supporting sustainable economic growth.”

Dr. Edy Purwanto, M.M., Head of Vocational School Development (PSMK) at the West Java Provincial Education Office, who attended the launch, remarked:

“We welcome the collaboration between BIRU and MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia in establishing a Teaching Factory at SMKN 1 Katapang. This program is a tangible step in equipping young people with relevant skills early on, while also serving as a model for other schools to strengthen links between education and industry. With this kind of support, we are optimistic that vocational graduates will be better prepared to compete and contribute to both regional and national development.”

SMKN 1 Katapang was chosen to implement the Teaching Factory model due to its strong commitment to vocational education, openness to industry collaboration, and readiness to empower students with relevant skills while driving inclusive local growth. Hendra Hermansah, S.Pd., M.M., Acting Principal of SMKN 1 Katapang, said:

“We are proud that SMKN 1 Katapang has been trusted as a pioneer. This proves that schools in the regions can also become centers of vocational education innovation at the national level. We hope the success of this program will inspire other schools to collaborate with industry and create more opportunities for students.”