Representatives from FISIP of each UPN "Veteran" Gather to Discuss Strengthening MBKM Cooperation

Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) is one of the programs initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) of Indonesia, which grants freedom to all students in Indonesia to learn and hone their skills according to their interests and talents. This program aims to shape quality graduates who can become future leaders of the nation. The program, which falls under the Merdeka Belajar policy, has been running for over 3 years since its official launch at the end of January 2020. Through this program, students are expected to acquire professional skills upon graduation that can be used to develop careers in line with their passions.

To contribute to the success of this program, FISIP UPN "Veteran" Jakarta, FISIP UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta, and FISIP UPN "Veteran" East Java held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the aim of strengthening the implementation of MBKM cooperation. The FGD took place on August 4, 2022, at the Bhineka Tunggal Ika Auditorium of UPN "Veteran" Jakarta. The event, attended by Deans, Vice Deans, Department Chairs, and Program Coordinators from the three universities, was opened directly by the Rector of UPN "Veteran" Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Erna Hernawati, Ak., CPMA., CA. In her opening speech, she emphasized the importance of MBKM cooperation in supporting the achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by the ministry. Meanwhile, the Dean of FISIP UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta, Dr. Machya Astuti Dewi, M.Si., explained that the cooperation between the three FISIP UPNs has been ongoing for 2 years in the form of online student and faculty exchanges. The meeting also discussed the technical details of implementing student and faculty exchanges for the academic year 2022/2023, which are planned to be conducted in person.

The cooperation meeting resulted in an agreement to send two faculty members from each university to partner universities to conduct in-person teaching activities for a total of two meetings. As for the student exchange program, each university can send a total of 5 students. However, the online student exchange program will continue to operate. The technical details of the Faculty and Student Exchange have been documented in an Implementation Agreement (IA) signed by the department chairs or program coordinators of each university.