PT Pesona Khatulistiwa Nusantara (PT PKN) has established a strategic partnership with Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) to strengthen the link between vocational education and industry through scholarship programs and structured internships. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the POLIJE campus, reflecting a shared commitment to developing highly skilled human resources capable of meeting the evolving demands of Indonesia's industrial sector.

As part of the partnership, PT PKN will sponsor 17 students from communities surrounding its mining operations to pursue higher education at POLIJE. In addition, the company will provide 12 full scholarships for outstanding students and open opportunities for industrial internships, allowing students to gain practical experience in a professional working environment. These initiatives are expected to improve educational access while strengthening students' employability and career readiness.

During the signing ceremony, Novrizal M. Arifin, SPJ Superintendent of PT PKN, expressed the company's confidence in POLIJE as one of Indonesia's leading vocational institutions. He highlighted POLIJE's industry-oriented curriculum and its ability to produce graduates with competencies that align with the needs of modern businesses. According to him, the collaboration will create a stronger synergy between industry and higher education while supporting the company's long-term human resource development strategy.

Representing POLIJE, Surateno, Vice Director for Academic Affairs and Planning, welcomed the partnership and thanked PT PKN for its trust in the institution. He emphasized that the collaboration represents a concrete implementation of the link-and-match concept, ensuring that vocational education remains closely aligned with industry expectations. He also reaffirmed POLIJE's commitment to preparing graduates who are competent, adaptive, and ready to address real industrial challenges.

The partnership extends beyond scholarships by providing structured internship opportunities that expose students to real industrial operations. Through hands-on workplace experience, participants will strengthen both their technical expertise and professional soft skills while gaining a deeper understanding of industry standards, workplace culture, and operational practices. These experiences are expected to facilitate a smoother transition from education to employment.

The collaboration also builds upon the long-standing relationship between POLIJE and PT PKN in supporting sustainable development. Previous joint initiatives have included applied research, green economy projects, and post-mining land rehabilitation, where students and lecturers contribute innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, livestock, and community development in reclaimed mining areas.

For POLIJE students, the partnership provides valuable opportunities to combine academic learning with real-world industrial experience. By participating in scholarship, internship, and collaborative research programs, students develop practical competencies, professional ethics, and innovation skills that enhance their competitiveness in the national and global labor markets.

Through this strategic collaboration, PT Pesona Khatulistiwa Nusantara and POLIJE reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing vocational education, expanding access to higher education, and preparing industry-ready graduates. By integrating education, scholarships, internships, and applied industry collaboration, the partnership contributes to sustainable human resource development while strengthening Indonesia's future workforce and supporting regional economic growth.