The Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), in collaboration with the Construction Services Center (BJKW) Region I Banda Aceh, organized an Additional Competency Program (PKT) and Competency Certification for vocational human resources in construction. The program covered Level 7 (expert) and Level 6 (skilled) classifications and was held at the campus auditorium from Tuesday to Saturday (February 24–28).
A total of 285 participants took part in the program, consisting of 111 Level 6 (skilled) participants and 174 Level 7 (young experts). In addition to UMSU students, participants came from various universities, including Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Negeri Medan, Politeknik Negeri Medan, Universitas Prima Indonesia, and 86 participants from Universitas Teuku Umar Meulaboh who joined online.
The event was officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.A.P., represented by Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Arifin Gultom, S.H., M.Hum., who emphasized the importance of integrity alongside competence.
“Competency development must be accompanied by integrity. Competence is essential in today’s context,” he stated.
He reminded participants that without integrity, competence would hold little value in real-world construction practices.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Head of BJKW Region I Banda Aceh, Ir. Indra Suhada, S.T., M.T., explained in his report that the program is mandated by Law No. 2 of 2017 on Construction Services.
“The implementation of this program is in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 2 of 2017 on Construction Services,” he said.
He added that the initiative aims to enhance the quality and competitiveness of vocational human resources in the construction sector, particularly for Level 7 experts and Level 6 skilled workers.
“The objective of this program is to strengthen the quality and competitiveness of vocational human resources in construction services,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the North Sumatra chapter of the National Construction Contractors Association (Apeknas), H. Yusfik, stressed that competency certification is not merely an administrative formality.
“Certification is not just an administrative requirement, but a reflection of professionalism and responsibility,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted that certification should be treated as a minimum standard in the construction industry.
“Certification must be the minimum standard, not just an option,” he added.
Furthermore, the Director of Competency and Productivity of Construction Workers at the Ministry of Public Works, Ir. Kimron Manik, M.Sc., underlined that infrastructure development is highly dependent on the quality of construction human resources.
“The success of infrastructure development is determined by the competence, professionalism, and integrity of construction workers,” he stated.
In his remarks, he also emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure in harmony with sustainability principles and the environment.
“We must build in harmony with nature, as future development is not only about technical and physical aspects, but also environmental balance,” he said.
The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of safety vests and helmets to participant representatives, followed by a group photo session with all participants and invited guests.
The event was also attended by the Head of BJKW Region I Aceh Ir. Indra Suhada, S.T., M.T.; Head of the Competency and Productivity Section of the North Sumatra Public Works Office Suhardi; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering UMSU Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ade Faisal, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Head of the Civil Engineering Department at Politeknik Negeri Medan Ir. Efri Debby Ekinola Ritonga, S.T., M.T.; heads of study programs within the Faculty of Engineering UMSU; and all program participants.
