In his speech, Mendikbudristek emphasized that being a student is not the same as advancing to higher education. Being a student means greater independence to determine the future direction.

For this reason, Mendikbudristek provides the right for students throughout Indonesia to study outside their study program or outside their campus for three semesters. Students can use this period to participate in Kampus Merdeka programs, including: internships in companies or world social organizations, conducting independent studies, developing villages, conducting research, working on humanitarian projects, designing and starting entrepreneurship, conducting student exchanges at home and abroad , or teach in elementary and junior high schools through campus teaching programs.

All programs are designed by Kemendikbudristek to provide space for students with diverse interests to get experiences that are not written in textbooks and cannot be taught in the classroom. "This experience will be your vehicle to achieve your dreams in the future," said Nadiem Makarim.

Kemendikbudristek has committed not only to provide independence for students, but also to ensure a safe journey to reach their goals. The advantage of the Kampus Merdeka program is that students don't have to sacrifice their study period, namely by requiring universities to implement credit transfers with a count of 20 credits for each Kampus Merdeka program. In addition, with the collaboration between the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology and LPDP, students will get pocket money while participating in the Kampus Merdeka Program.

Kemedikbudristek also provides degree and non-degree scholarships for active students throughout Indonesia, one of which is superior scholarships that new students can participate in the first semester.

“Dear students throughout Indonesia, our commitment to the independence of higher education will not succeed without the support and participation from all of you in the Kampus Merdeka program. Take advantage of your time in college to get to know yourself, build bridges to achieve your dreams, and contribute to the country," said Nadiem Makarim.

He believes that independence is the breath of the youths, the breath of students, the next generation of the nation. "Let's move in unison, to realize independent learning," concluded Nadiem Makarim at the end of his speech.

Reporter: Dheamyra Aysha Ihsanti (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2019)
Translator: Aghisna Syifa Rahmani (Biologi, 2020)