<![CDATA[General Background: Vocational education in Indonesia, especially through Vocational High Schools (SMK), aims to prepare students for the workforce but paradoxically has the highest unemployment rate among educational levels (9.01% in 2024). Knowledge Gap: Limited research examines the systemic issues at micro, meso, and macro levels that hinder SMK effectiveness. Aims: This study critically evaluates these issues, including curriculum relevance, infrastructure, and policy alignment. Results: Key problems include inadequate facilities, outdated curricula, limited industry collaboration, decentralization challenges, and a utilitarian policy focus prioritizing market needs over holistic student development. Novelty: The study proposes integrating talent mapping into SMK programs to align students' potential with educational pathways, enhancing relevance and adaptability. Implications: Prioritizing individual development over short-term market demands can reduce unemployment and produce graduates with broader competencies for a dynamic workforce. Highlights: High Unemployment Rate: SMK graduates face the highest unemployment in Indonesia, reflecting systemic inefficiencies. Policy Misalignment: A utilitarian focus prioritizes market demands over holistic student development, leading to mismatches. Proposed Solution: Talent mapping and competency-based approaches can align student potential with workforce needs. Keywords: Vocational Education, Vocational High School, Training Challenge, SMK Unemployment]]>
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