Recognition Challenges in Implementing the Independent Campus Policy: The Case of Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implementation of the Minister of Education and Culture's Independent Campus policy issued in 2019 (see: regulation of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, No. 4, 5, 6, 7/2020). One of the policies is the provision of two (two) semesters of study away from campus with eight (eight) optional programs: student exchange, internships, school-based teaching assistance, research, humanitarian projects, entrepreneurship, independent projects, and thematic real-world lectures (building villages). Three organizers were purposefully chosen to assess the readiness of higher education institutions: tertiary institutions "L," "M," and "N." Data was collected using a focus group discussion (FGD) approach via online interviews supplemented by relevant documentation. The findings indicated that the three tertiary institutions were proactive and worked hard to implement policies. However, there were still several challenges to overcome among the difficulties in recognizing the outcomes of the activities. Universities face a variety of quality and geographic conditions, as well as situations that differ from one another. No criteria can be used as a guideline for determining the recognition and quality assurance of activity results. The government is advised to establish a work unit in charge of developing standard process criteria for each selected program to achieve the goals of competency development, competitiveness, and graduate readiness to enter the workforce.

Keywords: independent campus, student study rights, elective programs, recognition

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-35-06

Publication date: December 31^st 2022