Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) successfully hosted the National Working Meeting of the Forum of Directors of Indonesian State Polytechnics (FDPNI), bringing together directors and leaders of state polytechnics from across the country to discuss the future of vocational higher education in Indonesia. The strategic meeting served as a national platform for evaluating ongoing programs and formulating policy recommendations to strengthen the competitiveness of vocational institutions.

One of the meeting's primary agendas was the transformation of Indonesia's vocational higher education system, including discussions on the proposed Applied University concept. Participants explored institutional development strategies aimed at enhancing the identity and recognition of polytechnic education while ensuring that vocational institutions remain responsive to the rapidly evolving needs of industry and society.

Ahyar Muhammad Diah, Chairman of FDPNI, emphasized that the forum focused on strengthening vocational education through institutional transformation, expanding international collaboration, and increasing employment opportunities for graduates, particularly in the global labor market. According to him, the discussion on the Applied University model is part of a comprehensive effort to identify the most appropriate institutional framework for the continued development of Indonesian polytechnics.

As the host institution, Saiful Anwar, Director of POLIJE, welcomed the participants and reaffirmed the university's commitment to supporting the advancement of vocational education. He stated that the meeting represented an important opportunity to unify the aspirations of state polytechnics in proposing strategic policies to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, particularly regarding institutional transformation and graduate quality enhancement.

In addition to policy discussions, participants visited several of POLIJE's flagship Teaching Factory (TEFA) facilities. The site visits allowed directors to observe firsthand how industry-based learning is implemented through production-oriented laboratories, where students actively participate in real manufacturing and service processes that mirror professional industrial environments.

The Teaching Factory tour highlighted POLIJE's best practices in integrating education, applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Delegates explored various production units and learned how the university develops students' technical competencies, problem-solving skills, and professional work ethics through experiential learning aligned with industry standards.

The outcomes of the national working meeting are expected to contribute to future government policies that strengthen vocational higher education in Indonesia. By fostering closer collaboration among state polytechnics, the forum seeks to improve curriculum relevance, expand international partnerships, encourage innovation, and produce graduates equipped with practical skills that meet both national and global workforce demands.

Through the successful organization of the FDPNI National Working Meeting, POLIJE has reaffirmed its leadership role in advancing vocational education. The event reflects the institution's commitment to promoting collaboration, institutional innovation, and industry-oriented learning while supporting the transformation of Indonesia's vocational higher education system into one that is more adaptive, globally competitive, and responsive to future challenges.