Depok-The Vocational Education Program of the Universitas Indonesia (UI) is once again encouraging student participation in the 2025 Student Creativity Program (PKM), a national initiative from the Directorate General of Learning and Student Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), which aims to develop students’ potential, creativity, and innovation in various scientific fields.
PKM is one of the government’s flagship programs that provides funding schemes of up to IDR 10 million, as well as additional incentives for selected proposals. Through the spirit of Creative, Innovative, Solution-based, and Inspirational (K.I.S.I), this program encourages students to produce applicable work through scientific activities, community service, entrepreneurship, and scientific writing. This was conveyed by Imam Sarif Hidayat, A.Md.A.P.K., during the Training of Trainers (ToT) Mentor 5.0: Digitally Proficient, Strong Empathy, Ready for Collaboration, held by UI Vocational on July 15, 2025.
(Photo: Imam explains about the Student Creativity Program)
The Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, stated that participation in PKM is a strategic step for UI Vocational in supporting positive intellectual and mental health for students. “Through PKM, students are not only trained to think critically and innovatively, but also honed in their ability to solve real problems in society. This step is an important foundation in forming a generation of resilient and highly competitive vocational professionals,” said Padang. One of UI Vocational targets through PKM is to increase the number of proposals that pass funding and produce many finalists at the national level.
The 2025 PKM program consists of eight funding schemes, including the PKM for Exact Research (PKM-RE), PKM for Entrepreneurship (PKM-K), PKM for Creative Ideas (PKM-KC), and others, as well as two incentive schemes, namely the PKM for Written Futuristic Ideas (PKM-GFT), and the PKM for Scientific Articles (PKM-AI). This year, there are also thematic focuses such as food security, energy, health, education, environmental conservation, and gender equality. “Extraordinary ideas often start from simple problems around us. Students need to be observant, reflective, and sensitive to the environment,” said Imam in the socialization session.
(Photo: Presentation on the 2025 Thematic PKM for mentors)
PKM is not only an academic competition, but also a means of building a portfolio of excellence for students. Participants who qualify for the national level and the National Student Science Week (PIMNAS) have the opportunity to receive certificates, prizes, and open the path to prestigious scholarships such as the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP) and the Indonesian Education Scholarship (BPI). “PKM is a very valuable experience, not only broadening academic horizons, but also strengthening collaboration and leadership skills. Of course, during the new student orientation, we will recommend them to participate in PKM to make this platform a real opportunity to develop themselves from an early age,” said Rian Fathin, one of the participants who is a mentor for new students in the class of 2025.
