In support of the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, the Electrical Engineering Study Program at the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The purpose of this event was to gather feedback and suggestions from both students and faculty regarding the MBKM activities that have already been implemented within the Electrical Engineering program. The feedback provided will be used as input for the development of a comprehensive MBKM guide.

Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) is a program initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia. The program aims to provide greater opportunities for students to develop their potential through various activities outside of the campus. With MBKM, students have the chance to participate in internships, student exchanges, research projects, and community service, all of which contribute to enriching their learning experience.

However, in the context of the Electrical Engineering Study Program, the implementation of MBKM requires clear and adaptive guidelines to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with industry needs and technological advancements. Therefore, this FGD was conducted to gather insights from various stakeholders to optimize the implementation of MBKM in the Electrical Engineering program.

FGD MBKM Activity Overview

The FGD was attended by representatives from the education development center, program coordinators, faculty members, and students who have previously participated in MBKM activities. The FGD was conducted in several sessions aimed at discussing important aspects of MBKM implementation in the Electrical Engineering Study Program.

The event began with a speech by the Coordinator of the Electrical Engineering Study Program, Mr. Kharis Sugiarto, S.ST., M.T., who explained the purpose and significance of organizing this FGD. He emphasized that MBKM represents a great opportunity to enhance the quality of education and ensure that graduates meet the needs of the industry.

Ibu Risty Jayanti Yuniar, S.T., M.T., the PIC (Person in Charge) of MBKM for the program, then presented an overview of the MBKM activities that have been implemented. This presentation covered various activities such as internships, student exchange programs, and community service, all of which have provided valuable experiences for students in the Electrical Engineering program.

The session was followed by a discussion, where participants shared their experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities of MBKM implementation. One key topic of discussion was the course conversion mechanism, where students can convert up to 20 credits (SKS) from their MBKM activities. This flexibility allows students to align their out-of-campus activities with their on-campus curriculum.

Further discussions covered the requirements for participating in MBKM, including minimum GPA, the appropriate semester for participation, and mandatory courses that must be completed before joining MBKM programs. Another important aspect discussed was the need for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide both students and faculty through the MBKM process, from registration to implementation and evaluation.

Conclusion

With a well-structured and clear MBKM program, students in the Electrical Engineering Study Program at ITK can gain diverse experiences and better prepare themselves for the challenges of an increasingly competitive industry. This FGD has helped strengthen the foundation for implementing MBKM, ensuring that the program continues to evolve and meet the needs of students, faculty, and industry stakeholders.