UMM Commitment to Execute MBKM, Disbursed 8 Billion PKKM Funds

Mechanical Engineering Study Program that received funds to run the welding inspector class. (Photo: Special)

To ensure student graduation and prepare independent graduates, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) disbursed more than eight billion rupiahs in the Merdeka Campus Competition Program (PKKM) funds. The funds are used to develop and run various four study programs (Prodi). The four have become helpful forums for students to develop their potential and talents, especially in preparing themselves to face future challenges.

The head of the UMM PKKM taskforce team, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sujono, M. Case. Explained that the four study programs that received funds had carried out a series of exciting activities. Each of them has held 21 to 23 programs in the past year. He is also grateful that almost all of the funds have been absorbed and implemented through well-executed programs.

He assessed that the program that had been implemented had significant benefits in developing the eight leading performance indicators (KPI). Likewise, the strengthening of students' abilities has a tremendous impact on KPIs one and two. Namely, graduates get decent jobs and opportunities for students to gain experience outside of Campus.

"For example, what is held by the Food Technology Study Program. They have carried out certified industrial internships, work preparation workshops, competency certifications, entrepreneurship assistance, and dozens of other activities," he added.

UMM successfully obtained more than eight billion from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek RI) through PKKM. White Campus is also the top ten PTN-PTS recipients of the PKKM funds and has used the funds to improve the quality and relevance of undergraduate programs.

In the future, Sujono also encouraged all study programs at UMM to continue to add partnerships with various companies. In addition, it also promotes the birth of a new Center of Excellence (CoE) and establishes an industrial certification program. Not only intended for internal parties but also external. Then, he also hopes that all study programs can always strive to achieve international accreditation in the future.

Meanwhile, the Rector of UMM, Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., said that the White Campus had designed the concept of an independent campus for a long time, namely in the 2000s. He also encourages the formation of breakthrough programs that aim to improve the competence and absorption of students in industry and the world of work (Iduka). According to him, UMM is substantially ready to run the Merdeka Campus well.

"In developing education, UMM targets two things, namely increasing student academic competence and leadership competence. We also always provide useful skills for students through study program-based CoE, which has now reached 23. Professional classes for poultry, ruminants, seaweed, shrimp, essential oil, orchids, welding inspector, and others. We hope that our efforts can have a significant impact on students, graduates, and society in general," he concluded. (cdr/wil)