Industry Linkage Quality in Maritime Vocational Education: An Internship Ecosystem Perspective Through Placement Relevance, Organizational Support, And Learning Accessibility
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the implementation of internship/Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) programs in strengthening the link and match between maritime vocational education and industry, particularly by mapping the profile of internship placements, financial compensation, and supporting facilities received by cadets at Akademi Maritim Nusantara (AMNUS) Banjarmasin. This research employed a quantitative descriptive approach using a survey design. The study involved 34 active cadets who had participated in or were participating in internship/MBKM activities. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentage analysis, and financial data mapping. The findings indicate that internship placements were generally aligned with the maritime sector, with most cadets placed in shipping companies (55.9%), followed by logistics/forwarding, shipping agencies, surveying services, and port management. The largest assignment category was agency, boarding, and clearance activities (38.2%), demonstrating exposure to real maritime operational processes. However, financial compensation and supporting facilities varied considerably among industry partners. The study highlights that internship quality is not determined solely by placement availability but also by task relevance, supervision, financial support, and operational facilities. The study concludes that AMNUS has established meaningful industry collaboration through diverse internship placements, but partnership management requires greater standardization and evaluation mechanisms. It is recommended that institutions develop an integrated industry partner database, establish minimum information standards before placement, and strengthen monitoring systems to ensure high-quality learning experiences for cadets