Malang, July 22, 2025 – A warm and enthusiastic atmosphere prevailed in the Architecture Study Program Hall at Merdeka University Malang during the Independent MBKM MSIB Dissemination event for the Even Semester 2024/2025. This event served as a crucial opportunity to reflect on the journey of UNMER Architecture students in navigating the professional world through hands-on experiences outside of campus.
The event was attended by faculty and study programme leaders, field supervisors, student interns, and the entire Architecture Study Programme academic community. This event served not only as a forum for sharing but also as a form of academic accountability and inspiration for other students planning their career paths.
In her remarks, Dr Ir Dina Poerwoningsih, S.T., M.T., Head of the Architecture Study Program, emphasised that the Independent MBKM represents the study program’s long-term commitment to providing an adaptive and contextual learning space. “We have been running this programme independently for quite some time, demonstrating our confidence in our students’ capacity to actively develop outside of class,” she said.
Ms Dina also outlined the new direction of the internship programme, which has now evolved into “Impact Internships”—an initiative that positions students not merely as interns but as agents of change in society and the workplace. “Campuses will be more impactful when students are actively involved in real-world projects that address real challenges in the field,” she added.
Five Inspirational Stories and Experiences of Internship Students
The core dissemination session featured presentations from five students who have completed internships in various industrial and government sectors:
- Cindy Sari Agustin began her story at CV. Surya Karya in Situbondo. Under the guidance of Dr Ir. Erna Winansih, M.T., Cindy was involved in six different projects, from cafe design to government building design, providing her with hands-on technical experience from surveying to producing working drawings.
- M. Fatih Kholilurrohman interned at Cubicle Studio Architect in Banyuwangi. Under the guidance of the same lecturer, he was involved in various architectural projects, including hospitals, community health centres, mosques, and residential homes. He honed his 3D modelling and rendering skills, which are highly applicable in the professional world.
- Chesilia Kama Rucita and Elfiana Deran pursued internships in the industrial sector with PT. LyondellBasell Advanced Polyolefins in Pasuruan. Under the guidance of Prof. Respati Wikantiyoso, MSA., Ph.D., and Dr. Ir. Erlina Laksmiani Wahjutami, S.T., M.T., they contributed to technical projects such as meeting rooms, production facilities, and maintenance workshops in industrial areas.
- Meanwhile, Dayang Eguine Gabrila drew on experience from the Public Works and Housing and Settlement Areas Department of Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan. Under the guidance of Dr Ir. Dina Poerwoningsih, S.T., M.T., Dayang touched on strategic local government projects, bringing her directly into contact with aspects of urban planning and representative area design.
Towards an Independent Impact Internship
Closing the event, Septi Dwi Cahyani, S.T., M.T., Secretary of the Architecture Study Program, introduced the new Independent Impact Internship programme for the odd semester of the 2026/2027 academic year. This programme is open to fifth- and seventh-semester students with a minimum GPA of 3.00 who want to take an active role in projects focused on real-world benefits.
“We believe that every student has the potential to bring about change. This programme is a space for self-actualisation, not just learning but also providing meaning,” Septi stated confidently. This dissemination is not just a presentation event but a moment to reflect on the fact that being an architect is not just about drawing and building but also about understanding context, responding to community needs, and bringing human values into every design.
Through the Independent MBKM (Independent Community Empowerment Program) and now moving towards the Independent Impact Internship, the UNMER Malang Architecture Study Program continues to strengthen its commitment to developing future architects who are adaptive, solution-orientated, and impactful.