Reframing Higher Education Governance: MBKM as Political Agenda Developing Human Resources

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy as a higher education governance reform embedded within the political agenda of human resource development. The research employs a qualitative approach to explore how governance restructuring occurs at the study program level and how it is experienced by institutional actors and students. The subjects of this study consist of five primary informants, including two study program administrative officers and three students who directly participated in MBKM activities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews supported by document analysis of relevant institutional and regulatory frameworks. The main research instrument was an interview guide designed to examine themes of institutional autonomy, accountability mechanisms, experiential learning implementation, and policy interpretation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis through coding, categorization, and interpretative synthesis. The findings indicate that MBKM reshapes governance practices through increased coordination, performance-based accountability, and expanded learning spaces beyond the classroom. While the policy enhances experiential learning and professional readiness, it also generates administrative complexity and uneven access to opportunities. Overall, MBKM represents both an educational innovation and a strategic instrument for aligning higher education with national development objectives.

Keywords: higher education governance, MBKM policy, public policy reform, human resource development, qualitative study