Wednesday, September 11, 2024 became an important moment for hundreds of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) students who are members of the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) program. This program works in synergy with the West Java Provincial Government through the P3K Plus and P2MB programs to support the achievement of the Zero New Stunting and Zero Food Waste goals. The official release of the UPI MBKM students was held at the UPI Gymnasium in the presence of the Acting Governor, Vice Chancellor and campus leaders, as well as representatives from the Development and Cooperation Center (PPJK). The activity, which began at 7:30 a.m., aims to officially release the students before they enter the real world through the MBKM program.
The series of events began with the reading of prayers, followed by the singing of the national anthem, Indonesia Raya, which created a solemn atmosphere and full of national spirit. After that, the Vice Rector delivered a mandate, emphasizing the importance of integrity and spirit of cooperation in the implementation of the MBKM program. The PJ Governor’s representative then gave an inspiring speech, inviting students to play an active role in bringing about real change in society and to face various challenges that may arise during the implementation of the program.
A total of 18 undergraduate students from the UPI Science Education Study Program participated in this MBKM activity in the form of P3K + Program in seven international schools in the greater Bandung area, namely SMP Plus Nurul Huda, SMP Cendikia Leadership School, SMP Al Rafi’ Drajat, SMP Pribadi Bandung, SMP Temasek Independent School, SMP Alfa Centauri, and SMP Al Irsyad Satya Islamic School. This program is a bridge between the MBKM policy and the need to achieve graduate competencies in education. The graduation ceremony marked the beginning of a new journey for the students who are expected to make positive contributions in the government, industry and education sectors. With the provision provided by the university, they are ready to implement the knowledge gained during lectures and bring significant changes to the place where they are placed.