KEMITRAAN through the Estungkara program has held road show to campus activities to a number of universities in Indonesia, one of which is at Parahyangan University (UNPAR) Bandung. The follow-up of this activity is further cooperation between KEMITRAAN and Parahyangan University in supporting inclusive education for students related to social issues, such as environmental issues and indigenous peoples.
The results of this follow-up are then contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between KEMITRAAN and UNPAR which was carried out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the UNPAR Rectorate Building. This agreement aims to implement the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program more broadly and effectively. The MBKM program itself is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, which aims to give students the freedom to develop competencies through various learning experiences outside the conventional academic curriculum. The program encourages students to engage in various activities relevant to their field of study as well as providing them with valuable practical experience in the world of work.
The signing of the MoU was attended by a number of important officials from UNPAR, starting from the Rector, Vice Rector and all his staff. As well as Laode M. Syarif Ph.D. KEMITRAAN Executive Director and the Estungkara program team. The event began with remarks from each party emphasizing the importance of this collaboration in improving the quality of education and expanding learning opportunities for students.
“Hopefully, this collaboration is not only limited to providing internships to students but can also accommodate academics and students in conducting research and studies,” said Prof. Tri Basuki Joewono, Ph.D. Rector of UNPAR in his speech.
Meanwhile, Laode M. Syarif in his speech said that the issue of indigenous peoples is an intersectional issue. So that students can also see from the environmental, economic, and legal sides.
“So that it can involve other programs in KEMITRAAN which currently holds a number of projects in supporting inclusive governance,” he said.
“So that it can involve other programs at KEMITRAAN which currently holds a number of projects in supporting inclusive governance,” he said.
The MoU and PKS cover the scope of the implementation of the MBKM program, such as Knowledge Exchange, KEMITRAAN can contribute to providing education related to social issues covered by KEMITRAAN. Then ads field activities, where KEMITRAAN opens internship opportunities for students to live in the community in their needs for research or preparation of thesis or thesis. It also includes a joint research program to increase the role of academics in social issue work and provide a comprehensive study for program implementation.
The signing of the MoU and PKS is expected to be a catalyst for the development of higher education in Indonesia and it is hoped that students will get a more diverse learning experience and become more sensitive to social issues.
“This collaboration is also a form of our commitment as a tangible manifestation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education,” concluded Prof. Tri Basuki Joewono.
UNPAR implements the Tri Dharma of Higher Education as a strong commitment through its three main pillars, namely education, research, and community service. Where community service is an important priority, with various programs designed to solve social and economic problems in local communities.
It is hoped that this good cooperation can be a space for students to learn about social issues and encourage social sensitivity in increasing young people’s awareness of these issues. And also in accordance with the Tri Dharma to support graduates who not only excel in academics but also have social care and responsibility for society.