Saturday, September 20, 2025 – In the era of Industry 5.0, certification has become a formal recognition of expertise and professional quality in specific fields. More than just a document, a certificate serves as tangible proof that an individual is ready to carry out their work in accordance with the principles of professionalism.

Today’s job market increasingly emphasizes the importance of certification, especially in the manufacturing industry. Not only are individuals in manufacturing required to master exact sciences, but they must also demonstrate knowledge and skills in maintaining quality in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards.

In response to this need, the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics at Dian Nusantara University (FTI UNDIRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works (KEMEN PU), organized the 2025 Construction Workforce Competency Certification Exam. The event took place on the 6th Floor and in the Smart Classroom at UNDIRA, Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta.

The certification exam was enthusiastically attended by 55 participants, consisting of students from the Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering study programs.

The Head of the Certification Exam Committee, Mr. Puguh Budianto, S.Sos., stated that this activity was part of the commitment of the Construction Services Center for Region III Jakarta to enhance the competency of the local construction workforce.

“The competency exam is conducted in accordance with SKKNI guidelines, aligned with national standards and the needs of resilient housing. This certification exam is part of the coaching and human resource development program in the construction sector organized by the Construction Services Center for Region III Jakarta,” he explained.

He further emphasized: “This activity serves as a platform to obtain recognition of competencies through nationally recognized certification. It also plays a role in accelerating workforce development, expanding access to certification, and strengthening synergy between the government, vocational education institutions, and the construction industry.”

A similar view was shared by Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs, Mr. Ir. Margono Sugeng, M.Sc., who explained that certification as formal evidence of competency—recognized nationally and internationally—is increasingly crucial in light of the growing competitiveness of the labor market.

“Certification provides real and valid proof of students’ skills and professionalism in the field of construction. Participation in competency testing adds significant value. In the future, certification will not only serve as industrial recognition but will also be recorded as a credit unit in each student’s Academic Transcript Supplement (SKPI),” he remarked.

He continued: “Therefore, upon graduation, students will not only hold a bachelor’s degree but also competency documentation from the Construction Services Center—enhancing employability and reinforcing professionalism from an early stage. This aligns with UNDIRA’s founding vision of becoming a trusted, professional, and globally-oriented university based on science and technology, aimed at fulfilling the needs of industry and entrepreneurship by 2030.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Priyono, S.Sos., M.T., Head of the Construction Services Center for Region III Jakarta, explained that the certification program was grounded in the Minister of Public Works Regulation No. 1 of 2025, which outlines technical work implementation within the Ministry, including training and certification of construction workers.

“This activity represents the government’s direct authority, through the Ministry of Public Works, to foster the construction workforce. Of course, in doing so we have collaborated with the Professional Certification Institute (LSP), which specializes in competency certification,” he noted.

During the assessment, each participant was evaluated according to the standards established by the Professional Certification Institute (LSP) and the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) to obtain nationally recognized competency certification. This year’s certification encompassed two categories: Work Supervision and Building Maintenance as well as Construction Supervision and Safety.

Looking ahead, students who obtain certification will face various professional demands, including project complexity, the implementation of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), adherence to standards, the use of adaptive technologies, and increasingly strict regulatory and policy challenges.

Before officially opening the event, Mr. Priyono also reminded participants that beyond technical skills, teamwork and attitude are the true reflections of a competent workforce.

“The workplace is filled with pressure and challenges. My hope is that, after certification, students will not only excel technically but also embody noble character—demonstrating integrity and professionalism in every aspect of their work,” he concluded.