British aero-engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has been challenged to establish polytechnic training institutions in Indonesia that will be able to train a local workforce for the aero-engine industry.

During a discussion in Jakarta, director general of higher education Patdono Suwignjo said the company needed to create a long-term program in the country, such as specialized polytechnics for aero-engine spare parts and maintenance, instead of only sending lecturers to study abroad.

“I have asked Rolls-Royce to establish polytechnics on advanced manufacturing of aircraft and aircraft maintenance,” said Patdono as quoted by kompas.com.

"The Swiss government, for instance, has developed several higher education institutions in Indonesia including a manufacturing polytechnic in Bandung that has become one of the best in the country," said Patdono.

(Read also: Indonesia to learn vocational education from Germany: Minister)

Regarding this statement, PT Rolls-Royce Indonesia president director Adrian Short said that the company would continue to support Indonesian education programs and that he would take the matter to  headquarters to be discussed.

The plan to have more specialized polytechnics is part of the government's program to revitalize 10 polytechnics around the country in a bid to boost workforce numbers with specialized technical skills. In addition to a diploma, graduates of these institutions will also receive a profession certificate of competence, said Patdono.

So far, the government has revitalized one polytechnic, Ambon State Polytechnic, which has been turned into a specialized mining polytechnic. (mar/kes)