IPB University Encourages HA-IPB ARMs to Contribute to the MBKM Programme

The Independent Volunteer Action of IPB Alumni Association (ARM HA-IPB) is encouraged to be involved and contribute to the Freedom of Learning – Independence Campus (MBKM) Programme at IPB University. Students can participate in humanitarian activities, especially disasters, to improve their competencies and interests as needed.

This was conveyed by the Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Collaboration and Alumni Relatios, Prof Iskandar Zulkarnaen Siregar, in the opening of the V ARM HA-IPB National Working Meeting (Rakernas) with the theme “Strengthening the Organisation’s Foundation to Grow and Develop Through Work, Innovation, Collaboration and Good Governance” held at the IPB Alumni Building, on Sunday, 18/2.

MBKM is a programme that provides opportunities for students to improve competence according to industry needs. MBKM aims to have a positive impact on students to live adaptively in responding to problems that occur in society and providing solutions in accordance with their scientific capacity.

“Only about 40 per cent of students are active in MBKM. Volunteering and disaster management activities that ARM HA-IPB initiated can be an attraction for students because it will be converted to their semester credit,” said Prof Iskandar.

He continued, IPB University targets 40 per cent of its students to be active in MKBM. Meanwhile, currently the participation rate has only reached 37 per cent. “ARM HA-IPB is expected to contribute in the effort to fulfil this target. ARM HA-IPB can also help penetrate IPB University in the development of agromaritime communities in 75 thousand villages or around 6.2 per cent,” he said.

Chairman of the HA-IPB Central Leadership Council (DPP) as well as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Madani Mandiri Volunteer Action Foundation, Dr Walneg S Jas, officially opened the event which was attended by the ARM Central board, representatives of the Board of Trustees, Board of Supervisors, Sahabat ARM volunteers, and representatives of ARM Branches in South Sumatra, Riau Islands, Banten, East Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.

“ARM is consistent in moving the organisation, administrative and procedural order, including in financial matters. In addition, I often get appreciation from alumni in various regions for ARM’s excellent public relations and exposure,” he said.

According to Walneg, the V Rakernas this time is very strategic, because it is in accordance with the 5-year plan to become a disaster institution that is recognised for its existence at the national level. He assessed that in terms of organisation, cooperation, volunteerism and financial independence, ARM has met the requirements. “We hope that this V Rakernas will produce important points so that ARM is truly ready to become an organisation at the national level,” he said.

The ARM HA-IPB V Rakernas successfully agreed on the 2023 Annual Work Plan (RKT) achievement report and ratified the 2024 RKT for seven fields, respectively Organisation and Secretariat, Volunteer Management, Fundraising and Cooperation, Disaster Management, Community Empowerment, Communication, and Cross-Sector Issues. (*/Lp) (IAAS/RUM)