Independent Campus in the Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem’s ??”Freedom to Learn” Policy

Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud) Nadiem Anwar Makarim has again launched the Independent Learning policy for the tertiary sector with the title “Free Campus” this week ahead of Chinese New Year.

Nadiem emphasized that the Independent Campus policy is a continuation of the Independent Learning concept. It is most likely to be implemented immediately, only changing ministerial regulations, not changing Government Regulations or Laws.

This Independent Campus policy package is the first step in a series of policies for higher education institutions. This is the initial stage to remove the shackles so that it is easier to move. “We still haven’t touched the quality aspect. “There will be several matrices that will be used to help universities achieve their targets,” he said. So what does an independent campus mean?

1. Autonomy for State Universities (PTN) and Private Universities (PTS)
   Namely, autonomy to open or establish new study programs (Prodi). This autonomy is granted if the PTN and PTS have A and B accreditation, and have collaborated with organizations and/or universities that are included in the QS Top 100 World Universities. Exceptions apply to health and education study programs. The Minister of Education and Culture added, “All new study programs will automatically receive C accreditation.” Furthermore, the Minister of Education and Culture explained that collaboration with organizations would include curriculum preparation, work practice or internships, and work placements for students. Then the Ministry of Education and Culture will collaborate with universities and study program partners to carry out supervision. “Tracer studies must be carried out every year. “Universities are obliged to ensure this is implemented,” said Minister Nadiem.
2. Automatic re-accreditation program
   The re-accreditation program is automatic for all rankings and is voluntary for universities and study programs that are ready to move up the rankings. In the future, accreditation that has been determined by the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT) will remain valid for 5 years but will be renewed automatically. Applications for re-accreditation of HEIs and study programs are limited to a maximum of 2 years after receiving accreditation the last time. Universities with B and C accreditation can apply for an increase in accreditation at any time. “Later, Accreditation A will also be given to universities that successfully obtain international accreditation. “The list of recognized international accreditations will be determined by Ministerial Decree,” he added. An accreditation evaluation will be carried out by BAN-PT if a decline in quality is found, including public complaints accompanied by concrete evidence, as well as a sharp decline in the number of new students registering and graduating from study programs or universities.
3. Freedom for Public Service Agency PTNs (BLU) and Work Units (Satker) to become Legal Entity PTNs (PTN BH).
   The Ministry of Education and Culture will simplify the requirements for PTN BLU and Satker to become PTN BH without being tied to accreditation status.
4. The right to study for 3 semesters outside the study program
   Gives students the right to take courses outside the study program and changes the definition of Semester Credit Units (credits). Universities are obliged to give students the right to volunteer, so students may or may not take credits outside the campus for two semesters or the equivalent of 40 credits. Plus, students can also take credits in other study programs on campus for one semester of the total semester they have to take. This does not apply to health study programs. On the other hand, currently, the weight of credits for learning activities outside the classroom is very small and does not encourage students to seek new experiences, especially on many campuses, where student exchanges or work practices delay student graduation. Furthermore, the Minister of Education and Culture explained that there was a change in the understanding of credits. Each credit is defined as ‘activity hours’, not ‘study hours’. Activities here mean studying in class, internships or work practices in industry or organizations, student exchanges, community service, entrepreneurship, research, independent studies, or teaching activities in remote areas. Each activity chosen by students must be guided by a lecturer determined by the campus. The list of activities that students can take can be selected from programs determined by the government and/or programs approved by the chancellor.