Public Relations of UPNVJ – The Faculty of Medicine of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (FK UPNVJ) welcomes the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education Number 106/B/KPT/2026 concerning Technical Guidelines for Prior Learning Recognition (RPL) and Development Programs for Medical and Health Professional Higher Education Students Who Have Completed the Entire Learning Process in Vocational Education and Professional Programs. This policy opens a resolution mechanism for students who have completed the entire learning process, but have not passed the competency test and have exceeded the study period limit. Its implementation still requires assessment and fulfillment of competencies according to professional education standards.

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at UPNVJ assessed that this policy aligns with the faculty's commitment to continue recognizing the learning process of students who have completed their long-term medical education. He stated that students who have completed their professional training or clinical clerkship ( koas ) for approximately two years have gained learning experience and exposure to medical service situations that must be taken into account in the academic process.

The idea of recognizing the learning process was presented by the Faculty of Medicine at UPNVJ before the issuance of the Director General of Higher Education Decree No. 106/B/KPT/2026. In a video published on the faculty's social media on May 25, 2026, the Dean of the Faculty stated that students who have completed their medical education but have not yet passed the competency test still deserve recognition for their learning.

"Students who have been studying medicine for a long time have been exposed to the mental conditions and situations and nuances of medical care. Then, just because they failed a competency exam, either the CBT or the OSCE, their extensive experience is not recognized," said the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at UPNVJ.

As a form of recognition of this educational process, the Faculty of Medicine at UPNVJ previously issued a certificate confirming that students had completed two years of internship training. This document, not a certificate of passing the UKMPPD (Internship for Internships), but rather a statement detailing the educational process and learning outcomes the students had achieved.

"We give them a certificate. Those who have passed a particular course, we give them a certificate. Then, if they take the UKMPPD and pass the OSCE or CBT, we give them a certificate. It's just a certificate, not a certificate of graduation, to show anyone that they have studied medicine, have studied, and have been exposed. So we recognize them," he said.

RPL Type A Based on Individual Assessment

In the socialization of the Director General of Higher Education Decree Number 106/B/KPT/2026 on September 16, 2026, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) explained that the policy regulates a special RPL Type A scheme. This scheme is intended for higher education students of medical personnel and health workers who have completed the entire learning process in vocational education and professional programs, but have not passed the competency test and have exceeded the study period limit.

Through this scheme, recognition of learning outcomes is not granted automatically. Universities are required to conduct individual assessments, taking into account several components, including the results of the most recent competency test. The assessment team or panel of experts then identifies the learning outcomes that have been mastered as well as competency gaps that still require strengthening.

Assessment results serve as the basis for determining the study load after recognition and the type of coaching students require. Learning achievements can be recognized through credit transfer, in accordance with academic regulations, including those related to the final project.

With this mechanism, students don't have to repeat the entire learning process. The coaching program is tailored to each student's individual needs, reflecting competency gaps identified through assessments. Coaching can take the form of in-depth study, remedial sessions and tutorials, case-based learning, practice questions and UKOM simulations, and even practical skills reinforcement.

These stages are followed by intensive guidance in preparation for the competency test until students participate in the National UKOM (Community Competency Test) as required. Therefore, RPL and the coaching program do not replace the competency test but rather serve as part of a series of processes to help students meet the required competency standards.

A Second Chance Without Lowering Competency Standards

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at UPNVJ views this policy as a way of giving students who have completed their education a second chance. He believes that student evaluations should consider the entire learning journey and not rely solely on the results of a single evaluation.

"As an educator, I realize that assessing students based on a single item at a single point in time is unfair. We must assess students throughout the learning process. Indeed, CBT and OSCE are scored at a single point in time," he said.

However, this second chance does not mean lowering the competency standards of the medical profession. He emphasized that competency remains a non-negotiable requirement because it directly relates to human safety.

"Competence is non-negotiable because these are human beings. Competence and authority to care for human beings are non-negotiable; we must truly strive to save human life. But I think this second chance is crucial," he stressed.

This principle aligns with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology's explanation that the implementation of Directorate General of Higher Education Decree No. 106/B/KPT/2026 must maintain the competence of medical personnel, establish learning outcomes based on assessment results, and serve as a transitional solution for students who meet the requirements. The government also emphasized that this policy is not intended to lower educational standards or graduate competencies.

Minister of Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto explained that students who meet the requirements can rejoin their study programs to complete the necessary steps to prepare for competency tests. The learning process does not need to be repeated in its entirety, but students will receive guidance and coaching as needed.

UPNVJ Faculty of Medicine Ready to Support Students

For the Faculty of Medicine (FK) of UPNVJ, this policy provides an opportunity to provide mentoring to students who meet the requirements. The Dean of FK UPNVJ urged students who have not yet passed the UKMPPD (Student Selection Test) to review Director General of Higher Education Decree No. 106/B/KPT/2026 and consult with their faculty.

"To our students at UPN Medical School, as far as I know, not many have failed, but this is also the fate of every individual. Whether one or many, it still matters to us. Anticipate this quickly, follow Decree 106, read it carefully, and come to the Faculty of Medicine," he said.

He emphasized that FK UPNVJ will help students understand the available mechanisms while still following government regulations.

"We will help you find a way to do that while supporting the government's decisions," he continued.

Nationally, the policy's implementation has begun to be followed up by identifying students who meet the criteria. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology stated that RPL participant data collection will be based on the results of the August 2026 competency test. Technical assistance for RPL implementation by the Directorate General of Higher Education and educational institution associations is scheduled to be implemented in stages starting in the fourth week of September 2026.

This policy is part of the government's efforts to accelerate study completion and the availability of graduates for medical and healthcare professionals while maintaining educational quality standards. In its implementation, students are still required to undergo RPL (remedial training), assessment, coaching, competency strengthening, and competency testing, as required.

For UPNVJ, commitment to students goes hand in hand with the responsibility to maintain the quality of medical education. Recognition of the learning process, opportunities to continue the academic process, and mentoring towards competency testing are part of the faculty's efforts to provide measurable academic solutions. At the same time, fulfilling competency remains a key principle before graduates can exercise their professional authority.