Computational Thinking in Indonesian Vocational Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research focused on computational thinking (CT) in the context of Indonesian vocational education, aiming to map its development, thematic focus, and scholarly impact. CT has gained recognition as a critical 21st-century skill that supports problem-solving, digital literacy, and adaptability. These competencies are essential for vocational learners preparing to enter Industry 4.0 environments. Despite its growing importance, the landscape of CT research in Indonesia’s vocational education system remains fragmented and underexplored. Using the Dimensions AI database, this study retrieved open access publications from 2014 to 2025 based on the search query: (“vocational education”) AND (“Indonesia”) AND (“computational thinking”). A total of 219 documents were analyzed using Microsoft Excel for data cleaning and VOSviewer for network visualization. The findings show a significant increase in publication output beginning in 2019, which aligns with national education reforms such as Revitalisasi SMK and Kurikulum Merdeka. The dominant research categories include educational technology, STEM education, and curriculum innovation. Key themes identified through keyword co-occurrence include CT as a foundational skill, the integration of CT into vocational curricula, and the relevance of CT to employability and digital transformation. Influential journals such as Sustainability and IJERE appear frequently in the citation network, indicating the interdisciplinary appeal of CT and its relevance to both educational policy and practice. This study contributes to the field by offering a structured overview of research trends and providing a foundation for future inquiry and curriculum development focused on strengthening CT in Indonesian vocational education.