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| Strict health and safety protocols in the UMM FK-Pharmacy UTBK event. (Photo: Wildan Public Relations) |
After being postponed several times due to the Implementation of Restrictions on Community Activities (PPKM), the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Computer-Based Writing Examination (UTBK) was finally held. The exam, which is held to select prospective new students of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, has two online and offline formats. The event, born on 10-15 August, was attended by 997 participants for Medicine and 220 for Pharmacy.
Dr. Ir. Suwarsono, MT. as the chief executive of UTBK, said that the second batch of exams was carried out with stricter health protocols than before. This is inseparable from its implementation, which is still in the PPKM. "This exam should have been held at the end of last July but was postponed because of the PPKM. Then it was postponed again due to the extension of the restriction. Until finally, we held it in a few days," he said.
Suwarsono explained who did several things by providing masks, checking temperature, hand sanitizer, medical gloves, etc. This reduced the number of participants in one room to no more than ten people. "We have also prepared metal detectors to minimize fraud. We are also working with the police to check the rooms and participants," he said.
Regarding the exam format provided, he explained that there are two, namely offline and online. The online exam policy was taken and intended for those in the Covid-19 red area. They are required to use one laptop or computer and two cameras. "One camera to record pictures of participants and the other to record the surroundings. This is done to reduce the possibility of jockeys. The portion of participants who are accepted from these two formats will also be distinguished later," he added.
Finally, Suwarsono hoped that the second batch of exams from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of UMM could select and get quality new students. Until later, it can give birth to graduates who spread benefits to the broader community.
Meanwhile, one of the UTBK participants, Sintia Rahmawati, said that she had to go through a series of health protocols before entering the room. In addition, they must also pass a security check with a metal detector. "The health and safety protocols are quite strict. There are only a handful of examinees in my room," she said.
This prospective student from Bintuni Regency, West Papua, admitted that her struggle to take this offline test was quite long. From her residence, she had to travel for seven hours. Then fly to the island of Java and arrive in Malang. "I happened to be accompanied by my father. Hopefully, my struggle will bear fruit and be accepted as a new student of the UMM Faculty of Medicine," she concluded. (wil)
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