CQU signs new training partnership with Indonesian social enterprise

By Greg Chapman

A new partnership between CQUniversity and Indonesian company BIRU aims to enhance and develop new training opportunities for the country’s mining and hospitality sectors.

CQUniversity has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT BISA Ruang Nuswantara (BIRU), a social enterprise linking and matching vocational education with industry to create access to quality employment. 

BIRU is a member of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group), a prominent holding company listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange. The Group’s principal subsidiary, PT Bukit Makmur Utama (BUMA), serves as a leading provider of mining services to some of the largest coal mine owners in Indonesia and Australia (through BUMA Australia Pty Ltd). Recently, The Group expanded into mine ownership through the strategic acquisition of Atlantic Carbon Group, Inc. in the USA, a leading producer of ultra high-grade anthracite coal.

CQUniversity Chief of Staff, Melissa Misztal, and BIRU Chief Operating Officer Kanya Sjahrir signed the MoU at the University’s Brisbane campus on 21 August.

Through the MoU, CQUniversity and BIRU will collaborate on the development of vocational education and training and curriculum, particularly in mining and hospitality and executive education for Indonesia, as well as micro-credentials related to sustainability.

The partnership aims to provide training, mentorship, consultancy services, and competency development of the curriculum, as well as enhancing the competencies of educators through training programs designed for teaching staff.

Ms Misztal said the partnership was an important connection for the University in Indonesia. 

“CQUniversity is pleased to partner with BIRU in developing a collaboration that supports the advancement of skills, knowledge, and qualifications in regional workforce areas with pressing skills need,” she said. 

“CQUniversity and BIRU share a vision of excellence in education, sustainable development, and community empowerment. We are committed to making education accessible to those who need it most, particularly through vocational education and training that empowers both individuals and industries."

She said the arrangement with BIRU was the latest exciting development in Indonesia and builds upon the University’s efforts to establish a standalone branch campus in the country. 

“Building on our current presence, we aim to create a CQUniversity Branch Campus in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan,” she said. 

“Balikpapan’s economic profile closely mirrors that of Central Queensland, where CQUniversity is headquartered, especially in its focus on servicing resource industries within the mining and energy sectors. Central Queensland is also at the forefront of innovation in renewable energy and related technologies.

“With this in mind, CQUniversity is grateful for the opportunity to partner with BIRU and this Memorandum of Understanding will serve as the foundation for our cooperation in developing vocational training and curriculum, particularly in mining, hospitality, executive education, and sustainability.”

It is projected that by 2030, Indonesia's demographic bonus will become one of the drivers of the country’s economic growth. With 70.72% of Indonesia's population of working age and a need for 113 million skilled workers, this potential can be utilized as one of the drivers of Indonesia's economic growth. 

Kanya Sjahrir said the partnership with CQUniversity marked a significant step in bridging the gap between vocational education and industry needs in Indonesia.

"At BIRU, we believe in the transformative power of education and its ability to drive sustainable development within communities,” Ms Sjahrir said. 

“The 2024 National Labor Force Survey by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) highlights a critical issue: vocational high school graduates face the highest open unemployment rate at 8.62 per cent. By collaborating on the development of specialised training programs in mining, hospitality and sustainability, we aim to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in these critical sectors,” she said. 

Ms Sjahrir said the MoU reflected BIRU’s commitment not only to educational excellence, but also to fostering economic growth and empowering communities across Indonesia.

The MoU was celebrated during the IndoOz 2024 Business Networking Dinner on August 22, 2024, with the presence of Mukhamad Najib , Education and Cultural Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, the Honourable Mark Furner MP, Cabinet Minister of the Queensland Government, John-Paul Langbroek MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Paul Hodgson from Central Queensland University, Kanya Sjahrir from BIRU, and Iwan Fuad Salim, Director of Delta Dunia Group.