The Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry has urged regional governments to support the products developed through research conducted by vocational education students.

“We expect that the local government can respond and support the products of vocational research, such as the ship simulator developed by the vocational school,” director general of vocational education at the ministry, Wikan Sakarinto, said here on Tuesday.

The digital ship simulator was the result of a collaboration between a vocational school and some vocational universities. Its lowest price was capped at Rp500 million. The complete package, which included the ship’s hull and a 180-degree monitor, was put on sale for Rp2.1 billion.

“It’s cheaper than India’s, which costs Rp4.7 billion. We expect that the local government could support these domestically made products,” Sakarinto said.

According to the Transportation Ministry’s Regulation (70/2013), every maritime vocational school and university must have a simulation tool. The ship’s steering simulation tool is also equipped with various features, including for pilot ships, BMTI ships, passenger ships, lifeboats, and cargo ships.

As for ports, it covers five ports, namely, Tanjung Priok, Tanjung Mas, Tanjung Perak, Banda Neira, and Benoa.

“Everything is in accordance with the actual conditions in ships and ports. Thus, students could learn to pilot a ship through this simulation tool,” he said.

Meanwhile, head of machine and industrial technique at the Vocational Education Quality Assurance and Development Agency (BBPPMPV BMTI), Supriyono, said that the simulator was created in response to the huge need for marine transportation in Indonesia, which was recognized by vocational students. The ship simulator has also been listed in the national e-catalog.

“Which means that it can be ordered by agencies that need it. We hope that this product will not only meet educational needs but also meet industrial needs,” he added.

Source: Antara News