Mataram, University of Mataram – Independent Campus Learning Service Unit for Key Performance Indicators (UP-MBKM IKU) University of Mataram (Unram) held Unram Merdeka Fair 2023, located at the Auditorium M. Yusuf Abu Bakar on Sunday (3/12). Unram Merdeka Fair 2023 carries the theme Optimizing Merdeka Learning Through Archipelago Cultural Collaboration coupled with the Archipelago Cultural Festival.

Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems Prof. Akmaluddin, S.T., M.Sc. (Eng), Ph.D represented the Rector of Unram in his speech expressed his appreciation for the event.

“Great appreciation for the implementation of the Unram Merdeka Fair 2023. Indonesia is huge with so many variations and cultural diversity that we used to only know from stories, but now students can see and feel the diversity of cultures possessed by our country through the MBKM program, “he said.

Prof. Akmaluddin further explained that government programs, especially in the fields of education and culture, which are commonly known as youth and student exchanges both inside and outside the country, have several limitations. The program used to have limited enthusiasts and limitations on the available quota so that not many students could access the program. But now through the MBKM program organized by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology (Diktiristek) has opened up such wide opportunities for students to be able to learn, as well as enjoy and see various cultures, customs outside the area where they live.

Prof. Akmaluddin in his speech also expressed his hope that 212 students from 146 universities throughout Indonesia who participated in the MBKM program at Unram could share stories and knowledge gained after the MBKM Program ended.

“These 212 students from 146 universities in Indonesia have enjoyed the cultural uniqueness of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and especially Lombok Island where Unram is located, have seen a lot of the daily lives of people on the island of Lombok, seeing a culture that may be different from their home regions. Therefore, we from Unram hope that when you return to your home university, you can tell and can share the experiences gained during the MBKM program at Unram, “he said.

Prof. Akmaluddin said that the Unram Merdeka Fair 2023 activity was very beneficial for students, there would be a sharing session that would be delivered by alumni of MBKM participants from Unram who had participated in the MBKM program outside NTB so that students who had never participated in this program could hear the experience of alumni while participating in the MBKM program so that this event became very useful to follow.

At the end of his speech, Prof. Akmaluddin explained that this event was a form of appreciation for student participation in MBKM activities and was a very positive activity that could continue to be implemented. Prof. Akmaluddin further expressed his hope that whoever the future leader of Indonesia is to be able to maintain the sustainability of the MBKM program in the future.

The MBKM program itself is a program designed by Diktiristek which aims to encourage students to master various sciences to prepare for entering the world of work, and encourage independence to form a future that is in line with the career aspirations desired. MBKM itself has 9 programs consisting of: Teaching Campus; Internship; Independent Study; Independent Student Exchange; Independent Entrepreneurship; Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA); Teaching Practitioners; Bangkit by Google, GoTo, and Traveloka; and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Program – Gerilya.

The series of events in Unram Merdeka Fair 2023 consisted of: Nusantara Cultural Festival, MBKM Alumni Sharing Session, Work Exhibition, Traditional Dance, Concert and Live Music, and closed with the Awarding Night.

Sharing Session presents MBKM Alumni from Unram, including:: Rolly Anggara Ari (Merdeka Entrepreneur Program); Yusril hayadi (Independent Study Program); Ali Surya (PMM Program: Muria Kudus University); Fitri Cahyani (Teaching Campus Program); Putri Anggun Qudratullah (Internship Program); Surni Ahyatul Fitri (IISMA Program: Michigan State University, USA).