(7/7/2023) | The MBKM (Merdeka Learning – Merdeka Campus) program is launched by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which aims to encourage students to master various sciences to prepare for the world of work. This policy provides opportunities for students to choose courses outside their study program. These courses can be taken at the same college or other universities.

To improve the implementation of Tri Dharma activities in higher education, the Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR), is collaborating with the Faculty of Law, Semarang State University (FH UNNES). This collaboration in the legal services and human rights field aims to strengthen the MBKM program, which is targeted by the Ministry of Education and Culture so that all students in Indonesia can participate. FH UNAIR and FH UNNES have signed a cooperation agreement that includes joint research, joint community service, joint internships, joint academic activities (for example, seminars, webinars, scientific conferences, workshops, training, coaching student activities, and publication of scientific work), exchanges information, as well as the development of scientific studies in the field of law.

The cooperation agreement between the two universities, which was signed in early July, is valid from 2023 to 2028. With this collaboration, the two universities can have a more discernible impact on strengthening the MBKM program, especially for students and the community.

The Independent Campus Learning Program (MBKM) is a program that aims to encourage students to master various sciences as a preparation for entering the world of work. As for implementing the MBKM Program and increasing opportunities for students to participate in MBKM, Universitas Airlangga plans to organize MBKM in Community Learning Together (BBK). The plan was revealed in the activities of the Coordination Meeting for Academic, Student and Alumni Affairs which was attended by the Vice Chancellor of Universitas Airlangga for Academic, Student and Alumni Affairs; Director, Directorate of Education Innovation and Development, Airlangga University, and Deputy Dean for Academic, Student and Alumni Affairs for all Faculties.

Community Learning Together (BBK) is a form of off-campus learning held independently by Universitas Airlangga with a cross-scientific and sectoral approach for a certain period. Later, the benefits obtained will also be the same as MBKM, namely the conversion of up to twenty-semester credit units. Various programs as part of BKK will also be prepared later, such as student exchanges, apprenticeships/work practices, teaching assistance in education units, research/research, humanitarian projects, entrepreneurial activities, independent studies/projects, building thematic real work villages/colleges, and defend the country.

Through an interview with Dr. Enny Narwati, S.H., M.H as Deputy Dean I of the Faculty of Law, Airlangga University. She explained that his work unit would immediately review and redesign the existing curriculum. According to her, several courses, such as thesis, lectures, and fieldwork. Various other activities can also be part of the BKK program, namely legal clinics, competitions, and other contests. The aim is to equip students with the hard and soft skills needed to enter the world of work without reducing learning outcomes in the administration of higher education in law.

An internship program for young lecturers that aims to develop competence and insight into the scientific field of the lecturer has been opened. The apprenticeship program launched by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek RI) consists of five main subjects: management of higher education institutions, education and teaching, research, community service, and development of cooperation. This program is carried out for four months, from August to November 2022.

Suwandoko, S.H., M.H., a junior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Tidar (FH UNTIDAR), through an interview with FH News on Thursday (17/11/2022), explained that the implementation of the young lecturer internship program was initially carried out online in the first two months.

“From August to September 2022, we will go online, while from October to November 2022 we will be offline at the MERR-C Campus of Airlangga University, to be precise at the Directorate of Education Innovation and Development,” said Suwandoko.

Suwandoko said that the junior lecturers were equipped with various knowledge and skills related to higher education management, manners, soft skills, how to write good research, tricks for community service, and other materials compiled by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture.

“These materials were all prepared by the Ministry of Education and Culture. I was also placed at Airlangga University by the Ministry of Education and Culture. This program is also fully funded and open to young lecturers with a maximum age of 40 years,” explained Suwandoko.

Suwandoko also explained the stages he went through during the apprenticeship registration process. First, after registering an account through the Kemendikbudristek website, the next is uploading the required documents. After that, the documents will be selected, and the announcement of the participants who have passed will be announced on the Kemendikbudristek website.

“Every month, we have to make a monthly report. We also make logbooks. And at the end of the internship program, we young lecturers participating in this internship program must make a final report, research proposal, and community service proposal. We also here have to establish cooperation and collaboration with the intended university,” he explained,

For activities while undergoing an internship program at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR), said Suwandoko, he was given the opportunity to attend lectures and explain the material for the State Administrative Court Procedural Law course. Apart from studying teaching and learning activities at FH UNAIR, he also learned how FH UNAIR manages its journals, observed the law laboratories, and held discussions with Deputy Dean III to discuss collaboration between FH UNAIR and FH UNTIDAR, and studied quality assurance and the curriculum applied at FH UNAIR.

“We study here to develop our study program at FH UNTIDAR, because it also happens that the law study program at UNTIDAR was established in 2017,” said Suwandoko.

Suwandoko also conveyed his message during the internship program at UNAIR. He said this program made him have many relationships and learn many new cultures.

“Lecturers’ teaching goals are also to educate the young generation, so I think this internship program is good because institutions also collaborate,” said Suwandoko.

Diah Ayu Wulandari is one of the 2020 students at the Faculty of Law, Airlangga University, who is carrying out the Independent Study Certified Independent Study Campus (MSIB MBKM). MSIB MBKM is a program that was initiated by the Directorate General of Higher Education Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Directorate General of the Ministry of Education and Culture RI). Diah, as she is affectionately known, through an interview with FH News on Monday (14/11/2022) shared her experience participating in the MSIB MBKM program at PT Trisakti Pilar Persada under the auspices of the Trisakti Consulting Group.

“I chose an internship at PT Trisakti Pilar Persada because the agency is engaged in consulting, policy studies, and knowledge partnerships for village development. So, according to my educational background, I come from the Faculty of Law,” said Diah.

Diah said she got information about internships at the agency from the MBKM website. After registering an account and verifying data on the MBKM website, she submitted a recommendation letter and SPTJM (Statement of Absolute Responsibility) from the faculty and university.

“Afterward, you can register for an internship at the target company,” she said.

Diah also shared her experiences during her internship program. According to him, the most memorable experience was when she went into the field to become a surveyor and met village people directly.

“There were a lot of memorable experiences. When I went into the field to become a surveyor and meet village people, by interacting directly, I gained a lot of knowledge from the community,” Diah explained.

In closing, Diah explained tips and tricks to pass the MSIB MBKM internship program. She suggested using a Curriculum Vitae with an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Friendly format. She says the percentage of passing the Curriculum Vitae with the ATS Friendly format is relatively high.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the internship program. Many dynamics have been passed, and many things can be learned from each apprenticeship process. Based on my experience, so that the percentage of passing the apprenticeship is high, it is necessary to have a Curriculum Vitae under the intended company. If you want to register with a company, use an ATS Friendly Curriculum Vitae. Besides that, during the interview, it appears as the best self-portrait, “ she concluded.

The Independent Independent Study and Independent Study Program Independent Study Program (MSIB MBKM) is an accelerated and accelerated internship program with a well-designed learning experience. This program was launched by the Directorate General of Higher Education (Ditjen Dikti) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek).

Erika Rahmawati is a Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR) batch 2020 student who carries out an internship through the MSIB MBKM program at the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI), to be precise, at the Legislation Body. Through an interview with FH News on Wednesday (9/11/2022), Erika shared her experience during the MSIB MBKM program at the DPR RI.

“I chose an internship at the DPR RI because it will certainly support my background as a law student. I can deepen my knowledge about the procedures for drafting to the promulgation of a legal product which will have a major impact on the implementation of the state administration,” said Erika.

Erika claimed to know information about opening an internship at the DPR RI from Batch I Internship DPR RI alumni, namely a Semarang State University student named Ria. He was finally interested in registering through the Merdeka Apprentice platform.

“I received information about opening an internship at the DPR RI through my senior brother, Ms. Ria, from the State University of Semarang. Coincidentally, Kak Ria is an apprentice of Batch I at the DPR RI. For further information regarding the internship registration, please see the Instagram account @magangmerdeka,” explained Erika.

Erika also shared her most memorable experience during the internship program. She said the most amazing experience was when he was assigned to compile Academic Papers and Draft Laws. She and her teammates chose the topic of electric vehicles to raise.

“At that time, all of us were invited by the mentor to Puncak, Bogor. This makes the internship assignments that we do not become a burden for the interns. And I’m very grateful for that moment,” he said.

Erika said she could not confirm whether she would have a career at the agency where she is currently interning after graduating. However, she appreciates the performance of the legislative body, the unit where she is an apprentice.

“I appreciate the legislative body’s performance in drafting and enacting legal products. In my opinion, the job is exciting and challenging,” she said.

In closing, Erika conveyed tips and tricks to pass the internship and message impressions during the internship. According to her, tips and tricks to pass the internship tests are to prepare files such as letters of recommendation and student accountability letters long before the registration day begins.

“Don’t forget to prepare your Curriculum Vitae and portfolio as well as possible. Then at the psychological test stage, practice more basic questions. And for the interview stage, the key is confidence. Several internship partners require a statement of purpose, so it is also necessary to study the proper and correct way of writing,” said Erika.

Erika said she had many friends who supported her to continue studying. In addition, she met with a very nurturing mentor in carrying out her apprenticeship.

“Of course, I feel a lot of joy,” she concluded.

Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program launched by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek) allows students to study at other universities. One of the programs is the Institutional Support System program (ISS). Faculty of Law Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR) supports the ISS MBKM program and collaborates with other universities in the context of student exchange for ISS MBKM.

Two students who took part in the ISS MBKM program at FH UNAIR, Ahmad Irwansyah, and Sisilawanti, came from the University of Mataram. Through an interview with FH News on Wednesday (2/11/2022), Ahmad said the ISS MBKM program was different from the PMM MBKM program because the ISS MBKM program was the result of a collaboration between FH UNAIR and their home campus. The ISS MBKM program aims to improve the human resources of collaborating campuses.

“In this program, there are only ten students sent to UNAIR. Two of them, Sisil and I, entered FH UNAIR. The rest went to engineering majors at UNAIR or other campuses,” explained Ahmad.

Sisil explained that to join the MBKM ISS program, you only need to undergo an administrative selection and interview session. Sisil, Ahmad, and eight other students from Mataram University were the first batch of the MBKM ISS program.

They also talked about their favorite subjects and lecturers while studying at FH UNAIR. Ahmad said he liked the Corruption Criminal Law course Iqbal Felisiano, S.H., LL.M taught. According to him, the delivery method in the Corruption Criminal Law class is not limited to PowerPoint slides, which are very interactive and easy to understand.

“I like the Legal Professional Ethics and Legal Philosophy courses because we are really made to think there. The lecturer also makes a picture that finally makes our minds open and think radically or think down to the roots. I think it’s exciting,” Sisil continued.

Ahmad and Sisil took 22 credits (Semester Credit Units) in this fifth semester, or about nine courses. Both admitted that they had difficulty attending one of the courses at FH UNAIR because they only entered when the lecture was already running in the third week.

“We are a little less familiar with the International Trade Law course because the material is also very varied. In addition, the Criminal and Civil Practicum courses are also difficult because they have to go on trial until the evening. Still, overall they are both fun, and Thank God we managed to follow them well,” said Sisil.

In closing, Ahmad and Sisil expressed their hopes for FH UNAIR. They hope that FH UNAIR will be more successful and maintain its ranking. They also admitted that the facilities at FH UNAIR in supporting lectures were excellent.

“Hopefully the Pringgodigdo Building will be completed quickly,” concluded Ahmad.

Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Law Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR), Dr. Enny Narwati, S.H., M.H. attended a meeting with the Cooperation Board of the Faculty of Law of State Universities in Eastern Indonesia (BKS PTN of Eastern Indonesia). The meeting was held in Batu on September 29 to October 1, 2022. The meeting was also attended by the Chairperson of BKS PTN in Eastern Indonesia, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Brawijaya, and members of BKS PTN of Eastern Indonesia.

The meeting agreed on several things: the curriculum for the MBKM program and collaboration between universities. The MBKM curriculum manual is essential since the Law Faculties of each university have different curricula. Hence, it is necessary to have a manual so that the curriculum of each university is not too diverse from each university.

Implementing the MBKM program should not reduce the Expected Learning Outcomes (ELO). ELO defines the totality of information, knowledge, understanding, attitudes, values, skills, competencies, or behaviours a learner should master upon successfully completing the curriculum. Hence, the MBKM Program curriculum manual should create curriculum alignment between universities.

“Faculty compulsory subjects cannot be replaced with MBKM programs. So, when students join the MBKM program, the converted courses exclude the faculties’ compulsory courses, but for election courses,” said Enny.

The MBKM program curriculum manual is also planned to be finalized at the next Eastern Indonesia BKS FH meeting in Mataram in November 2022.

The second point agreed upon from the meeting was cooperation between universities for implementing the MBKM program. It is planned that an internal MSIB (Certified Independent Study and Internship) scheme will be held in each Law Faculty at the collaborating campuses. Students can carry out internships at each university’s Legal Aid Consultation Unit (UKBH). For example, FH UNAIR students interned at UKBH FH Universitas Mataram. This is a breakthrough because usually, students who take part in the MBKM program can only do internships in institutions. Now it is planned to hold an internal internship program at each university.

“So, students are welcome to participate in MBKM, but don’t forget about ELO’s Bachelor of Laws. The implementation of the MBKM program should not reduce ELO graduates of FH UNAIR. Standards for professional jurist, faculty compulsory courses may not be replaced or converted through the MBKM program, “said Enny.

Enny also said that apart from collaborating in the field of student exchange, there was an agreement between FH UNAIR and BKS FH PTN in Eastern Indonesia regarding the MSIB scheme for UKBH at the Faculty of Law of their respective universities. The agreement was on internships adapted to law students’ needs so that students Interns would be taught how to write articles and carry out community service activities that focus on law. This MSIB program can also be converted to as many as 20 credits of election courses.

Faculty of Law Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR) is committed to facilitating its students to conduct internships through the MBKM program.

One of the 2022 MBKM internship participants is Amilah Fadhlina, a 2020 FH UNAIR student who is doing an internship at a PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero) subsidiary. Through an interview with FH News on Sunday (9/10/2022), the student, who is familiarly called Mila shared her experience as an MBKM apprentice.

“For the MSIB program (Internship and Independent Study, ed.), I joined PT INKA (Persero) and was placed in a subsidiary, namely PT IMSC (INKA Multi Solusi Consulting, ed) which focuses more on consulting services in the manufacturing sector,” said Mila.

Mila explained why the agency was chosen as an internship place because it started from a friend’s recommendation. He said he was curious because when he checked on the MBKM website, PT IMSC was a subsidiary of PT INKA. In addition, he was interested because PT IMSC is a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN).

“Because of its geographical location, I signed up there. The best option I can try to register is PT INKA and several agencies in Jakarta, because I registered when the deadline was approaching. I chose PT INKA, located in Madiun, because it is closer to where I live, and the cost of living is not too high,” explained Mila.

The registration information about MSIB, said Mila, she got through Instagram. He admitted that at first, he was not interested in registering for MSIB MBKM, but after being recommended by friends and after some considerations, she finally signed up.

“For the registration requirements can be seen through the website. On the MBKM website, not only MSIB, there is IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards), Kampus Mengajar, and others. After creating an account on the website, we had to fill required documents, such as a letter of recommendation from the campus, an active letter from the organization, and many more. I don’t have such an interview session, so it was announced through the website, “explained Mila.

The most memorable experience for Mila when she joined the internship program was carrying out BINTAL or military training. She felt immensely struggling with the existing physical coaching and training.

Mila said that after graduating from college, she intended to work at the company where she is currently interning. PT IMSC’s habit, discipline system, and work environment suit her. In addition, she advised continuing to upgrade skills and curriculum vitae because that is the first thing a company’s HRD (Human Resources Development) looks for. Gaining experience during college, such as joining organizations, committees, or competitions, can add value to your curriculum vitae for applying for internships.

“Also multiply the information on how to select internships at the institutions where we register, practice interviews properly and correctly, practice writing as well because some agencies require essays as a registration requirement,” said Mila.

Program Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka (PMM MBKM) is a student exchange program between universities under the MBKM scheme. This year, the Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR) accepted 61 PMM MBKM programs from various universities outside Java.

Among the 61 MBKM PMM students are Marlen Novita Maloky from Pattimura University and Zulkifli Hajar from West Sulawesi University. In an interview with FH News on Friday (7/10/2022), the fifth-semester student, who is familiarly called Marlen said that the MBKM PMM program is outstanding because it can explore students’ potential. In addition, the PMM MBKM program also allows students who register to cross majors.

“In my opinion, this program is very suitable for students because apart from we can get knowledge from other campuses, we can also learn about cultures outside our area, increase relationships, and increase knowledge,” said Zulkifli.

Marlen explained that the requirements to register for the MBKM PMM program are pretty straightforward, but many documents must be prepared, such as family cards, student ID cards, transcripts, etc. In addition, there is also a general knowledge test.

“The MBKM PMM program is open to all majors, not limited to law majors,” said Marlen.

Marlen said that when registering and collecting documents, he had difficulty logging in to his National Health Insurance account, so he could not prepare a BPJS (Social Security Administering Agency) Health card. However, in the end, all the difficulties were over, and she was able to apply for the PMM MBKM program.

“To join this program, we get benefits through conversion of SKS (Semester Credit Units, ed) and are given pocket money. There are funds for transportation costs and living expenses,” said Marlen.

Marlen was happy to have the opportunity to experience lectures at FH UNAIR because the lecturers were excellent and willing to teach the PMM MBKM program students patiently. He said the lecturer he liked the most was the lecturer in Health Law, Riza Alifianto Kurniawan, S.H., MTCP.

“His form of teaching can hone us to think critically. The point is UNAIR is the best!” said Marlen.

Zulkifli also said that he had often read books by the Professor of FH UNAIR, Prof. Peter Mahmud Marzuki. He felt delighted when he finally met Prof. Peter, and even had time to ask for a photo too.

“We, law students from other universities, often read Prof. Peter’s books.  We had the opportunity to meet and discuss with him. It feels delighting and exciting,” said Zulkifli.

In addition to the exciting experiences they got, they also felt culture shock while studying in the city of Surabaya. According to Marlen, the food in Surabaya tastes less spicy for his tongue, which is used to Maluku cuisine. In addition, continued Zulkifli, the weather in Surabaya is also very hot and different from West Sulawesi, which is not too hot.

“Initially, I had negative thoughts when I first studied at FH UNAIR, but it turns out that the people are very nice,” said Zulkifli.

Marlen continued by saying there were no Problem Based Learning tutorials at his original university and making legal opinions like in FH UNAIR. According to Marlen, these two things were new to him, and he was happy to have the opportunity to learn both of them.

Marlen and Zulkifli expressed their hopes for the PMM MBKM and FH UNAIR programs. They hope that the PMM MBKM program can be even better in the future and can explore students’ potential. They invite students to register for the PMM MBKM program because this is an opportunity not to be missed. Zulkifli hopes that FH UNAIR can become a more advanced institution not only on a national scale but also on an international scale.

“Hopefully, FH UNAIR will be even better, and one word for FH UNAIR is FH UNAIR the best,” concluded Marlen.

Since ancient times, universities have played an essential role as centers of civilization to develop science. This effort to establish science is the main prerequisite for forming a society with a progressive mindset. This can be seen from the picture that the progress of civilization will always be directly proportional to the advancement of science. This scientific progress certainly cannot be realized if it is carried out separately by one person or by only one higher education institution. Therefore, a collaboration between universities is needed to solve institutional isolation at the local, regional, national, and international levels. The cooperation is mainly carried out to improve each university’s academic quality. No wonder the Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga, always opens up as many opportunities as possible to collaborate with other law universities.

One of the agencies that recently signed a cooperation agreement with the Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga, is the Faculty of Law, Universitas Tadaluko. The signing of the cooperation agreement between the two institutions was carried out directly in Palu on 28 September 2022. Attending the event to represent the Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga was Iman Prihandono, S.H., M.H., LL.M., Ph.D. as Dean. His presence received a warm welcome from Dr. H. Sulbadana, S.H., M.H., as the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Tadaluko University as the host.

The scope of this collaboration covers many fields, mainly to support the achievement of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. This collaboration also aimed at helping the Merdeka Learning program for the Merdeka Campus, which was initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. In the future, the signed cooperation agreement can be realized through the implementation of activities such as the exchange of lecturers, Joint research, Joint community service, and Student exchange; Other academic activities such as external examiners, seminars/webinars, scientific conferences, workshops, training, and fostering student activities, publishing scientific works, Improving the quality of the internationalization program; and many more.