UNS — The Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbud Ristek), Nadiem Makarim, delivers a message for the new students of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta to maximize the advantage of Kampus Merdeka Program. He delivers his message during a remark on Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) UNS on Friday (13/8/2021).
Nadiem states that become a university student is not the same as a class advancement in high school/elementary school. Becoming a university student means having broader independence and freedom in choosing the future. Therefore, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbud Ristek) provides special rights for all university students to study outside their study program for 3 (three) semesters.
“University students in Indonesia can take the benefit from the available Kampus Merdeka Programs. The program includes industrial or global social organization internship, independent study, community service, entrepreneurship, regional or international student exchange, village community service, or teaching at Elementary School or Middle School through ‘Kampus Mengajar’ program,” Nadiem explains. All those programs are designed to give the students opportunities under diverse interests to get practical experiences, which are not available in the textbook. “Experience will provide the means for students to achieve their future dreams. We are committed to providing not only freedom but also the assure their safety in accomplishing their dreams,” he added.
The advantage of this Kampus Merdeka program is, in fact, that students do not have to sacrifice their study period. This condition is possible because the Kemdikbud Ristek has required higher education institutions in Indonesia to allow for a credit transfer of up to 20 points of semester credits (SKS) for each Kampus Merdeka Program. Moreover, through the collaboration and partnership established with the Educational Fund Management Institution (LPDP), students can get pocket money during their participation in the Kampus Merdeka Program. Additionally, the Kemdikbud Ristek also provides various degree and non-degree scholarships for active students in Indonesia, such as Superior Scholarship (Beasiswa Unggulan), available for new students in their first year.
“Our commitment to providing freedom within the higher education institutions will not yield without support and participation from all of you. Use your study period to understand yourself, building the road toward your dreams, and contributes to the nation. I believe that freedom is the breath of the young generation, students, and the nation’s future generation. Let’s keep on moving together to achieve Merdeka Belajar,” Nadiem concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti