Findings from the Evaluation of Independent MBKM Implementation in Higher Education Institutions

Changes in Indonesia’s cabinet from one administration to another carry the risk of policy shifts ranging from minor adjustments to complete discontinuation. This includes the potential rollback of the substantial efforts invested over the past four years in developing the Merdeka Belajar reform agenda.

This edition of the Policy Brief highlights the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the Merdeka Belajar–Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy by embedding it as a normalized institutional culture within higher education. In particular, it emphasizes the implementation of MBKM at the institutional level through independently developed initiatives, rather than reliance on flagship MBKM programs administered by the Ministry.

This Policy Brief presents key insights from an evaluation of independently implemented MBKM initiatives in higher education institutions and discusses their implications for long-term policy continuity, institutional autonomy, and systemic reform in Indonesian higher education.

Disclaimer
This Policy Brief represents the analytical reflections of researchers from Center for Education and Policy Studies (PSPK), based on their direct involvement in research examining the Merdeka Belajar–Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy. The document may be cited, disseminated, and used for non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution.