Implementing Kampus Merdeka

In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia introduced a significant educational policy reform entitled Kampus Merdeka. Kampus Merdeka provides a national approach for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for Higher Education students to enhance their future career prospects. However, many challenges have clouded Kampus Merdeka’s execution and its desired resultant impact. Indonesian Higher Education institutions are experiencing significant implementation challenges. This discussion paper aims to undertake a review of the current available literature related to Kampus Merdeka, to better understand the policy’s broader operationalization and future implications for the sector. This discussion focuses on four key themes: Higher Education Management and Administrative Practices, Curriculum Change, Academic Staff Preparedness and Defining and Reshaping Roles and Responsibilities of Academics. The article concludes with reflections concerning the strengthening of the evidence base for Kampus Merdeka’s future operationalization.