In the competitive world of job hunting in Indonesia, one coin seems to hold the key to unlock most opportunities: “graduate from a recognized university”. The reality is that employers are looking for job-ready graduates. However, the traditional apprenticeship system, often intended to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, has not always bridged this gap effectively. The lack of a centralized hub for internship opportunities often creates a barrier between students and valuable industry experiences. This can prevent companies from finding qualified talent and limits students’ exploration of possible career paths.
The Ministry of Manpower recognized this gap with Regulation No. 6/2020 on internships as a tool for professional networking and skills development. However, the scale and distribution of students in Indonesia, as well as the manual nature of the process present logistical obstacles. To address this, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology offers a new approach. Enter Kampus Merdeka, a program to facilitate opportunities for university students to participate in off-campus experiences.
To achieve the success of the program, the ministry of education works with several stakeholders and partners to provide an accessible platform for all students so that they can easily find employment opportunities best suited to their needs through the Certified Internship and Independent Study (MSIB) program.
The implementation of Kampus Merdeka is supported by a technology platform, to ensure a quality, equitable and inclusive experience for all students, and even the entire internship ecosystem, such as campuses and employers. GovTech Edu, the parent think tank of the Ministry of Education, recognizes the need for a holistic approach. They went beyond building technology and, working side by side with the Ministry, focused on simplifying business processes and connecting the entire practice ecosystem.
“The goal was built to create, organize and manage off-campus opportunities from start to finish for all stakeholders as efficiently as possible to help coordinate and align program execution. Above all, the platform’s end-to-end approach empowers students with valuable internships that prepare them for successful careers,” added Claudia Simanjuntak, Head of Higher Education, GovTech Edu.
The platform goes beyond matchmaking; is a comprehensive practice service that centralizes opportunities from an extensive and curated network of thousands of industry partners. As a web-based platform, it primarily serves university students as a marketplace, while accommodating a wider range of stakeholders involved in the Kampus Merdeka programme. Industry partners gain access to a more skilled and practical workforce, ensuring a mutually beneficial outcome. Universities benefit from a simple internship program that aligns with their curriculum, improves student employability and strengthens industry partnerships.
“We are able to implement a structured internship program to ensure it is mutually beneficial for both students and industry partners; the platform also facilitates an exchange of feedback through student reports on their internship experiences,” added Claudia.
A case study of how the Kampus Merdeka platform and the MSIB program can benefit students is illustrated by the story of Sri Ramadan from Teuku Umar University and Laila Zahira Fatin from the University of Indonesia, two of the students who participated in the program.
“Registration process [for the MSIB program] through the platform was straightforward and user-friendly. All the necessary information was available and the platform offered various guides and FAQs. During the internship period, the platform also facilitated communication with mentors and the company’s HR team so that any issues could be addressed quickly,” said Sri.
“The MSIB program trained us to improve time management skills, including study, internship work, and personal time management. I graduated on time with honors, on top of completing two internships. Furthermore, my experience of internship I can turn into academic credits,” explained Laila, detailing her experiences. She added that the connection and network she built from her internship made it easier for her to find a job, leading her to find an offer. returning from her last practice.
A more efficient and comprehensive internship recruitment process through Kampus Merdeka has led to better access and a faster method, which is reflected in the numbers: 1.5 times the verification speed with 95 percent less verification workload, over 1.5 million students registered on the platform from 2,000 universities across the country, over 6,000 companies, as well as non-profit organizations, have posted opportunities on the platform, creating over 27,000 internship positions and courses for university students. Additionally, Kampus Merdeka participants were able to secure jobs three to six months earlier than non-participants, as evidenced by one of the internal surveys.
As the nation continues to invest in its future talent, Kampus Merdeka is a powerful model for bridging the gap between academia and the professional world, equipping students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the ever-changing job market. development.
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