<![CDATA[The development of globalization and digital transformation requires higher education institutions in Indonesia not only to produce academically excellent graduates but also to foster self-awareness, social skills, and sensitivity to cultural diversity. One of the strategic policies implemented is the Indonesian Student Exchange Program (Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka or PMM), which aims to broaden students’ academic and social experiences through cross-campus lectures, the Modul Nusantara, and intercultural interactions. This study focuses on analyzing the influence of PMM on improving the self-awareness of FKIP Universitas Sriwijaya students, considering that future educators are expected to possess both academic competence and emotional maturity. The research employed a mixed-method approach with a concurrent embedded strategy. Quantitative data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire distributed to 91 respondents, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with three informants and documentation analysis. The research instrument was tested for validity and reliability, with Cronbach’s Alpha reaching 0.938, indicating very high reliability. Simple regression analysis yielded a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05, meaning that PMM significantly affects the improvement of students’ self-awareness. Qualitative findings revealed personal transformation, strengthened national identity, and increased self-confidence among students. In conclusion, PMM is proven effective in enhancing students’ self-awareness through the combination of academic engagement, Modul Nusantara, and intercultural experiences, making this program a valuable instrument for shaping the character of Indonesia’s young generation. ABSTRAKPerkembangan globalisasi dan transformasi digital menuntut perguruan tinggi di Indonesia untuk tidak hanya mencetak lulusan yang unggul secara akademik, tetapi juga memiliki kesadaran diri (self-awareness), keterampilan sosial, serta kepekaan terhadap keberagaman budaya. Salah satu kebijakan strategis yang dijalankan adalah Program Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka (PMM) yang bertujuan memperluas pengalaman akademik dan sosial mahasiswa melalui kegiatan perkuliahan lintas kampus, Modul Nusantara, serta interaksi lintas budaya. Penelitian ini berfokus pada analisis pengaruh PMM terhadap peningkatan self-awareness mahasiswa FKIP Universitas Sriwijaya, mengingat calon pendidik dituntut memiliki kompetensi akademik sekaligus kedewasaan emosional. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan campuran (mix methods) dengan strategi concurrent embedded. Data kuantitatif diperoleh dari kuesioner Likert yang disebarkan kepada 91 responden, sedangkan data kualitatif digali melalui wawancara mendalam dengan tiga informan dan studi dokumentasi. Instrumen penelitian diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya, dengan hasil Cronbach’s Alpha sebesar 0,938 yang menunjukkan reliabilitas sangat tinggi. Analisis regresi sederhana menghasilkan nilai signifikansi 0,000 < 0,05, yang berarti PMM berpengaruh signifikan terhadap peningkatan self-awareness mahasiswa. Secara kualitatif, mahasiswa melaporkan adanya transformasi pribadi, penguatan identitas kebangsaan, serta peningkatan kepercayaan diri. Kesimpulannya, PMM terbukti efektif dalam mengembangkan kesadaran diri mahasiswa melalui kombinasi keterlibatan akademik, Modul Nusantara, dan interaksi lintas budaya, sehingga program ini layak diperkuat sebagai instrumen pembentukan karakter generasi muda Indonesia.]]>
