PERSEPSI MAHASISWA TERHADAP PROGRAM PROGRAM MERDEKA BELAJAR DAN KAMPUS MERDEKA (MBKM) DI JURUSAN PENDIDIKAN GEOGRAFI FAKULTAS ILMU SOSIAL UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MEDAN

Rini Maya Sari Siregar (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Fitra Delita (Universitas Negeri Medan)

Jurnal Samudra Geografi
Vol 9 No 1 (2026)

This study examines students’ perceptions of the implementation and challenges of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, including Teaching Campus, BKKBN Internship, BPS Internship, and Student Exchange. Conducted in 2023, the study involved 65 Geography Education students at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. The findings indicate that MBKM provides students with valuable learning experiences, cultural exposure, teaching experience, and practical workplace skills. However, several challenges were identified, including limited program information, difficulties in credit conversion, initial use of personal funds, delayed financial disbursement, and difficulties balancing academic and MBKM responsibilities.