In an effort to increase the competence of higher education graduates through MBKM Internship Program, FMIPA University of Jember entered into a Cooperation Agreement with the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) of Jember Regency in the Meeting Room of FMIPA Dean (14/1). “This PKS aims to harmonize the joint program of activities in an effort to improve the knowledge, skills and competencies of FMIPA students at the University of Jember in Internship activities/student work practices, especially MBKM in the BPS district of Jember” Dean of FMIPA UNEJ, Drs. Achmad Sjaifullah, M.Sc., Ph.D. It was further stated that the beginning of this collaboration was from the visit of Head of the Mathematics Department, Dr. Kiswara Agung Santoso, S.Si., M.Kom. to BPS’s office. “Following up on the visit of the Head of the Mathematics Department, we have prepared a cooperation agreement to establish collaboration between FMIPA and BPS Jember,” he said. On that occasion, Ir. Arif Joko Sutejo, MM. The Head of BPS gave appreciation to FMIPA who immediately followed up on the BPS cooperation offer. “BPS wants to collaborate with academics, as well as to introduce statistical literacy to the wider community. BPS is also concerned with developing sectoral statistics in order to improve statistical quality through coaching and with FMIPA one of them,” explained Arif. It was also conveyed the desire of BPS Jember Regency to establish a Statistical Corner within the University with the aim of conveying all information on statistics, especially BPS. On this occasion were attended by Vice Dean I and III of FMIPA UNEJ, the Head of the Mathematics Department and several expert staff from BPS.

For information, Badan Pusat Statistik is a Government Institution as a provider of statistical data and information for the government and the public to build a national statistical system in order to support Advanced Indonesia. In line with that, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Jember prepares a collaboration to be able to send students for internships/work practices through the MBKM program. This agreement is the first in 2022, after in 2020 and 2021 FMIPA UNEJ has collaborated with several state universities, government agencies, banking institutions as well as the private sector. This is done as a means of giving students choices in implementing the form of learning activities for the MBKM program.

With this collaboration, the Dean of FMIPA hopes that BPS will not hesitate to contact if there is an activity that requires assistance from students. “Contact us if BPS has an agenda, students will be ready to get involved because this activity will increase the skills of our students in facing the world of work” explained the Dean of FMIPA. BPS Jember is very enthusiastic, because in the current digital era, everything must be done quickly and can be done without being limited by distance and time. “With the use of IT, in the future students who do internships can do it from home or campus, the most important thing is that the work can be completed,” said Arif again. The event closed with the signing of a cooperation agreement between FMIPA Jember University and BPS Jember for a duration of three years with mutually agreed clauses.