Health monitoring before and after independent learning during the pandemic
Authors: Handayani Lisda , Suhartati Susanti , Irawan Angga , Zulfadhilah Muhammad 
Published: February 2025

Latar Belakang: Pandemi COVID-19 secara signifikan memengaruhi praktik pendidikan di seluruh dunia, termasuk program Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) di Indonesia yang menekankan pengalaman belajar di dunia nyata. Pemantauan kesehatan menjadi aspek krusial untuk menjaga keselamatan mahasiswa selama kegiatan MBKM, khususnya dalam lingkungan komunitas. Laporan ini mengkaji protokol kesehatan yang diterapkan Universitas Sari Mulia selama misi kemanusiaan dalam merespons banjir di Kalimantan Selatan di tengah pandemi.
Presentasi Kasus: Universitas Sari Mulia menerjunkan 327 mahasiswa untuk membantu di empat kecamatan yang terdampak banjir. Untuk mencegah penyebaran COVID-19, protokol kesehatan pra-penugasan mencakup tes cepat antigen, yang mengidentifikasi lima kasus positif tanpa gejala yang memerlukan isolasi. Setelah menyelesaikan program MBKM selama dua bulan, tes ulang dilakukan dan ditemukan tujuh kasus tambahan, termasuk satu dengan gejala sedang, sementara sisanya mengalami gejala ringan atau tanpa gejala.
Diskusi: Protokol pemantauan kesehatan universitas, termasuk tes pra- dan pasca-penugasan, isolasi, dan pengobatan berbasis gejala, secara signifikan mengurangi penularan virus. Pentingnya deteksi dini dan pemantauan ketat pada individu tanpa gejala sangat ditekankan, karena kasus yang tidak terdeteksi dapat berkontribusi pada transmisi di komunitas. Selain itu, program ini menyoroti perlunya integrasi pendidikan kesehatan ke dalam kegiatan MBKM untuk memastikan pemahaman mahasiswa terhadap langkah-langkah pencegahan kesehatan.
Kesimpulan: Universitas Sari Mulia berhasil menerapkan pemantauan kesehatan yang komprehensif selama program MBKM, melindungi baik mahasiswa maupun komunitas yang dilayani. Kasus ini menegaskan pentingnya kewaspadaan kesehatan yang berkelanjutan, pendidikan, dan kolaborasi institusional untuk menjalankan pembelajaran di luar kampus dengan aman selama pandemi. Praktik ini dapat menjadi model untuk program MBKM di masa depan di seluruh Indonesia.
 
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted educational practices globally, including Indonesia's Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, which emphasizes real-world learning experiences. Health monitoring became a crucial aspect of student safety during MBKM activities, particularly in community settings. This report examines the health protocols implemented by Universitas Sari Mulia during a humanitarian mission in response to the South Kalimantan floods amidst the pandemic.
Case presentation: Sari Mulia University deployed 327 students to assist in four sub-districts affected by floods. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, pre-deployment health protocols included rapid antigen testing, which identified five asymptomatic positive cases requiring isolation. After completing the two-month MBKM program, students were tested again, revealing seven additional cases, including one with moderate symptoms, while others were either mild or asymptomatic.
Discussion: The university's health monitoring protocols, including pre- and post-deployment testing, isolation, and symptom-based treatments, significantly minimized virus transmission. The importance of early detection and close monitoring of asymptomatic individuals  is emphasized, as undetected cases could contribute to community transmission. Additionally, the program highlights the necessity of integrating health education into MBKM activities to ensure students understand preventive health measures.
Conclusion: Universitas Sari Mulia successfully implemented comprehensive health monitoring during its MBKM program, protecting both students and the communities they served. This case underscores the need for ongoing health vigilance, education, and institutional collaboration to safely conduct off-campus learning during the pandemic. These practices serve as a model for future MBKM programs across Indonesia.