In the 2021-2022 academic year, during the odd semester, the Biology Program participated for the first time in the MBKM program initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. This program aims to create an environment that encourages students to master various scientific disciplines as preparation for their future careers. The MBKM activities in that academic year were conducted in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, involving a total of 15 Biology students, and with Universitas Negeri Surakarta (UNS), where 18 Biology students from UIN Sunan Kalijaga participated.

UGM’s program is open to both students and the general public, offering a variety of courses through the Future Skills Fisipol (FSF) initiative. These courses cover diverse topics and can be converted into Certification of Degree Companion (SKPI) or Semester Credit Units (SKS) according to each university’s procedures. The activities were conducted online using platforms such as Zoom Meeting, Discord, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Some of the courses attended by our Biology students included “Future Leader and Organization,” “Finansialku,” “Green Planet and Future Living through One Planet One Health Approach,” “Green Planet and Future Living Danone Indonesia,” “Green Planet AMAYI,” “Indonesian Creative Cities Network,” and “Entrepreneurial Soft Skills.” Additionally, UNS offered an online MBKM program covering multidisciplinary topics in Biology, including Bacterial Pathogenesis, Food Fermentation Technology, Natural Resources and Environment, Environmental Toxicology, Immunology, and more.

Nur Fiddarayni, one of the MBKM participants, expressed that this program provides a fresh learning atmosphere for students. It is hoped that it will enhance their motivation to learn and serve as a platform to improve their achievements in their chosen fields. Ultimately, this early exposure helps students prepare for a broader professional world.