The Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, launched by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), brings a breath of fresh air to getting higher education in Indonesia. It instills new optimism in students and better prepares them to face the global challenge. This program is designed to directly connect students directly with business, industry, and professional sectors (DUDIKA), producing graduates who are more prepared, adaptable, and competent.
One of the main benefits of MBKM is the synergy it creates between higher education and the workplace. Through this program, students are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge on campus but also gain practical experience directly relevant to the industry through internships, research projects, and collaborative activities. This allows them to apply their knowledge and develop the skills needed in the real world.
However, the journey of MBKM is not without challenges. Issues such as curriculum discrepancies between higher education and industrial needs, limited facilities, and minimal participation from companies in the program. Nevertheless, there is a strong reason to remain optimistic, as these challenges can be overcome through collaborative and innovative efforts.
The ministry also demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting and developing MBKM. Kemendikbudristek continuously engages in dialogue with various industry sectors to increase their participation in this program. This is expected to create more opportunities for internships, research projects, and other collaborative activities that students can participate in.
Moreover, universities are becoming more proactive in building partnerships with industries. Many universities are collaborating with companies to design curricula that are more relevant and applicable. The industry is also increasingly aware of the benefits of collaborating with universities, such as acquiring a ready-to-use workforce and contributing to the improvement of education.
Students themselves show great enthusiasm for MBKM. They recognize that direct experience in the workplace is an invaluable asset. The opportunity to participate in internships, work on real projects, and engage in industry research provides valuable experiences that enrich their learning process. With strong spirit and motivation, the students are now better prepared to face challenges and compete in the workforce.
The optimism for MBKM’s future is rooted not only in its current benefits but also in significant potential for further improvement. By strengthening cooperation between universities, industries, and government, this program can effectively close the gap between education and the workplace. A brighter future for higher education in Indonesia is already within reach, with MBKM as one of its main pillars.
Through MBKM, Indonesia is paving the way for global readiness, producing graduates who are not only competent at the national levels but also well-prepared to compete internationally. Challenges exist, but with optimism and collective efforts, a brighter and better future can be achieved.
