en.malanginspirasi.com – Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Brawijaya University (UB), Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, MP, stated the university’s eagerness to comply with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology’s (Mendikti) directive to switch to online lectures.
He explained that UB Rector Prof. Widodo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Med.Sc., issued a circular in response to this policy.
“In general, UB responded to the Minister of Education and Culture’s policy appreciatively and proactively. The Rector followed up by issuing a circular regarding adjustments to work patterns, including the implementation of learning. The campus will continue to apply offline activities for activities that require in-person attendance. Yet implement online learning for flexible activities,” Prof. Imam explained.
In accordance with the directive of Mendikti, UB prioritize offline activities for first- to fourth-semester students, as well as those participating in practicums or activities that require in-person attendance.
Meanwhile, for students in their fifth semester and above, they can join academic activities such as seminars and mentoring online.
This policy is a form of Indonesia’s preparation for a possible energy crisis due to escalating war in the Middle East.
UB implements this policy because semesters one through four are the stages of laying the foundations of academic knowledge.
At this stage, students require intensive guidance and active interaction with lecturers to understand basic concepts as a foundation for further academic development.
Meanwhile, in semesters five and above, learning focuses on developing skills according to the curriculum they have completed.
UB understands the risks of implementing this policy, such as the potential for learning loss or a decline in academic achievement, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are some adjustments to anticipate this circumstance as activites that require intensive interaction will continue to be conducted offline.
“I fully understand (the risks), which is why the Minister and the Rector’s directives are that activities requiring high-intensity interaction between lecturers and students must be conducted on campus. They include practicums, studios, or research that need to use laboratories,” he continued.
The faculties have the authority to regulate offline and online activities.
This is because study program has different characteristics, including determining which courses or activities must be conducted offline,
This policy will not immediately change the existing curriculum. This is because what changes is the learning medium, not the learning outcomes.
This policy relates to Rector’s Circular Letter Number 01096/DST/UN10/B/TU/2026 concerning the Implementation of Circular Letter of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Number 2 of 2026, which took effect on April 7, 2026.
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The circular also regulates administrative activities for employees and lecturers.
It is a necessity to have online meetings that do not require in-person attendance as well as efficiency measures for domestic and international business travel.
Furthermore, the University Secretary is preparing a car-free day policy, which is currently in the drafting stage and plans to take place in the near future.
“The adjustments will begin as soon as possible this week, following the issuance of the Rector’s circular. The hope is that every element on campus, from students to lecturers and others, can implement this policy effectively,” he said.
This policy will continue until conditions are deemed safe and stable, including the absence of potential fuel and energy price increases.
UB will comply with central government policies and the Minister’s directives, along with a review and evaluation process to determine the effectiveness of its implementation.
“We will conduct periodic evaluations, for example after one month of implementation, to monitor progress and determine next steps,” he concluded.
