BANDUNG, Telkom University – The Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Nadiem Anwar Makarim has issued a policy of “Independent Learning, Independent Campus”. The policy was carried out as an effort to prepare the curriculum as a forum for the recognition of independent student learning/activities/activities. Telkom University as the No.1 Best Private University in Indonesia supports learning programs launched by the government, one of which is participating in the 2021 Independent Student Exchange program.
Dr. Achmad Rizal as Academic Director of Telkom University revealed that this program was carried out to encourage students to be able to master various fields of scientific study which would later be useful in the world of work.
The Independent Student Exchange allows students to choose courses freely. Usually, students will only choose courses that are following their respective study programs. In this program, there is a ‘Modul Nusantara’ course, which is a compulsory subject or special study totaling 2 credits for students who take part in the Independent Student Exchange program. This course contains knowledge that learns about elements of workshops, soft skills, etc. At Telkom University itself, 10 lecturers teach these courses.
The purpose of holding the Independent Student Exchange Program is to improve and develop student competencies both in terms of soft skills and hard skills and students can experience studying at other universities which aims to open meeting rooms for students to meet and share stories. There are various other forms of learning activities that will be carried out, including conducting internship programs or work practices, community service, etc.
In addition to experience, various benefits will be obtained while participating in the Independent Student Exchange program, including certificates, Single Tuition Assistance (UKT) of Rp. 2,400,000, getting monthly pocket money, even students can become mentors or help lecturers in teaching Nusantara Module courses. Due to the current situation of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this program was implemented online, although it was originally planned to be carried out offline. There are other benefits of this program is implemented offline, namely getting transportation assistance.
“The mechanism that students have to do to join this program is to register by logging in first to the website https://kampusmerdeka.kemdikbud.go.id/, then complete several documents and of course there must be a letter of recommendation from the respective study program. For the implementation mechanism, students will be able to take 20 credits of courses from other universities, but if it’s too difficult, students can take 10 credits from their home universities and 10 credits from other universities,” explained Dr. Ahmad Rizal.
The selection is carried out by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology which takes place from the end of August to early December. Then the Ministry of Education and Culture and Research and Technology will evaluate January-March next year.