Tamalanrea-Makassar. The Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University (Unhas), through its Academic and Student Affairs Division, held a Workshop on Developing Competency Strengthening Course Schemes (MKPK). The event began at 8:00 a.m. WITA (Central Indonesian Time) at the Unhas Hotel and Convention Center in Makassar on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Starting the activity, the Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Forestry, Unhas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Syamsu Rijal, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU. in his remarks said that this activity is important to be implemented to facilitate study programs in designing and compiling the MKPK scheme which aims to make it easier for students who will participate in MKPK activities.
“It is crucial for study programs to create a MKPK scheme because it is one way to achieve the 20 credits students must complete. I hope that through this activity, the Forestry and Forestry Engineering study programs can create a MKPK scheme,” explained Prof. Syamsu Rijal.
Following remarks and the official opening of the event by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, the event continued with presentations from speakers.
Present as speakers were the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Forestry, Unhas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Syamsu Rijal, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU. with the theme of the material “Strengthening Student Competence through MKPK (strategies and challenges)” and the Head of the Sub-Directorate of Independent Learning/MBKM Unhas Prof. Makkarennu, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D. presented material with the theme “Transformation of Student Learning Through Off-Campus Learning”.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Syamsu Rijal, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU. in his presentation conveyed that there are three pillars of MKPK student competency: talent and achievement, field experience, and independent learning across study programs.
“The competencies that university graduates must possess are creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptability so they are able to solve problems systematically through the application of effective communication and are able to collaborate and build networks,” explained Prof. Syamsu Rijal.
MKPK is a course whose learning activities take place outside the study program within the university and/or outside the university. It is mandatory for students to take 20 credits. The learning activities can be recognized by the equivalent of activity hours in the credits. MKPK does not take the form of face-to-face lectures and is mandatory.
Several MKPK competency strengthening activity groups include community service-based activity groups, internship/independent study activity groups, scientific publication activity groups, and activity groups based on developing supporting interests and talents.
Prof. Makkarennu, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D. in his material conveyed that MKPK is a motor of transformation that functions to integrate practical experience into learning outcomes, encourage cross-sector collaboration (campus-partners-community), open up space for reflection and portfolios of student achievements and prepare students as lifelong learners.
“To facilitate the implementation of the MKPK, Hasanuddin University has initiated several independent program schemes in the form of learning activities outside of study programs in 2025, namely an internship at PT. Biota Laut Ganggang, a leadership and character program for national defense, and a green entrepreneurship program,” explained Prof. Makkarennu.
Some forms of internship/work practice learning activities include BUMN internships, certified internships, agency/institution internships, industrial internships and other relevant forms of activities, while forms of campus teaching activities include independent teaching and Indonesia teaching.
“The implementation strategies carried out at the university level include strengthening internal institutions, initiating strategic partners, monitoring and evaluating programs, supporting off-campus learning ecosystems, and conducting outreach and promotion,” said Prof. Makkarennu.
The event proceeded smoothly and continued with a group discussion session. The event will continue tomorrow, Sunday, October 5, 2025.
