Jakarta, September 5, 2024—Galang Raga Sitandang, a student from the Government Studies Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), had the opportunity to intern at the Directorate of Digital Economy, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo). Galang, as he is commonly known, was selected to join this internship through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, an initiative by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture that allows students to gain valuable real-world work experience.
As part of the Center of Excellence (CoE) program in Government and Political Analysis, Galang further honed his analytical skills and deepened his understanding of governance and politics in the digital era. Expressing gratitude for this opportunity, he shared his experiences during the internship at Kominfo's Directorate of Digital Economy.
“This experience has truly opened my eyes to how the government operates, particularly in the field of digital economy. I’ve had the chance to see firsthand how digital policies are crafted and implemented, which is highly relevant to my studies in government science,” Galang remarked.
He highlighted how the internship provided him with a unique learning experience under the mentorship of experts in digital economy. “I learned a great deal about how technology and digitalization can be leveraged to boost the economy. It’s fascinating because technology not only simplifies daily life but also has the potential to enhance overall societal well-being,” he added.
Grateful for the support from his professors at UMM, Galang acknowledged their guidance and encouragement. “I am incredibly thankful to my lecturers at UMM for their continuous direction and motivation. Their mentorship has been instrumental in helping me seize this incredible opportunity,” he said.
Galang also emphasized the significance of the MBKM program in preparing students for the workforce. “The MBKM program is exceptional because it allows students to experience real-world challenges before graduating. It equips us with the readiness to face the demands of the professional world,” he explained.
Beyond acquiring knowledge and experience, Galang also forged meaningful connections with professionals at Kominfo. “I had the opportunity to directly interact with experienced professionals in this field, which was invaluable. They were very open to sharing their knowledge and insights,” he noted.
Galang’s internship exemplifies the value of combining academic learning with practical experience, showcasing the importance of initiatives like MBKM and CoE in shaping future-ready graduates in the digital governance landscape.
