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‘Kampus Merdeka’ in question amid high unemployment rate
Education experts have questioned the effectiveness of the government’s Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (Freedom to Learn Independent Campus/MBKM) initiative in addressing a skills mismatch between universities and industries, despite having absorbed a large amount of the state budget.
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Education up-close: Education, Culture, Research and Technology Minister Nadiem Makarim (left, on screen) speaks during a Jakpost Up Close webinar, themed Educating the nation: 2020-2045, in Jakarta on Aug. 12, 2020. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
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ducation experts have questioned the effectiveness of the government’s Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (Freedom to Learn Independent Campus/MBKM) initiative in addressing a skills mismatch between universities and industries, despite having absorbed a large amount of the the state budget.
The flagship program launched in 2020 by the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry was aimed at providing university students with a chance to gain academic credits beyond the classroom through internships, student exchange programs or research opportunities, among other initiatives.
A substantial portion of the state budget of up to Rp 1,884 billion (US$116.087) had been allocated to the project in 2021, with another Rp 1,913 billion the following year. However, some believe that the MBKM has not significantly served as a bridge between the academic sphere and the world of work.
Education expert Mohammad Abduhzen said the program introduced by entrepreneur-turned-minister Nadiem Makariem had only sought to build a flexible learning environment for the students, but that this did not necessarily address the challenges in society.
“[It’s like] we’re asking what should be learned [by students] in this era, then the ministry answers that what is important is giving the student the freedom to do whatever they want. This is irrelevant,” he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
Read also: High flyer in some subjects, Nadiem fails to make grade in basic course work
