Administrative Management Strategy at SMK Timika City

Vocational education in Indonesia faces a serious challenge in the form of a gap between the competencies of vocational school graduates and the needs of the world of work. Timika City, despite having the largest number of vocational schools in the Papua region, has not shown optimal quality of education management, especially in the aspect of school administration. This study is intended to explore and analyze administrative management strategies that can improve the quality of education and work readiness of students at SMK Timika City. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a content analysis method on secondary data in the form of policy reports, statistical data, and the latest scientific literature. The results of the study show that weaknesses in student data recording, documentation of industrial work practices, and reporting and evaluation of partnerships with the business world are still the main obstacles in the governance of vocational education. Administrative management strategies based on the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), such as the implementation of the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle, data-driven decision-making, and the involvement of all school elements, have proven to be effective in improving the efficiency and accountability of administrative services. The discussion emphasized that strengthening administrative management must be supported by transformational leadership, training of administrative personnel, integration of information technology, and strategic partnerships with the industrial world. Thus, it can be concluded that administrative management is not only a supporting function, but a strategic component in building an adaptive and relevant vocational education ecosystem. This research recommendation is intended for school policy makers and local governments to strengthen the administrative governance system in supporting the quality of education and job readiness of vocational school graduates.