Mahasiswa

Mahasiswa is a term used in Indonesia to refer to a person enrolled in higher education programs at universities, institutes, academies, or polytechnics. The word derives from Sanskrit maha ("great") and siswa ("student"), and is generally gender-neutral; mahasiswi is sometimes used for a female student. The plural form is mahasiswa.

Most mahasiswa pursue degrees such as Diploma (D3), Sarjana (S1), Magister (S2), and Doktor (S3), and engage in lectures, seminars, labs, and examinations. They may also participate in research, internships, and community projects. Many programs include periods of professional practice or applied study.

Campus life often includes student organizations such as Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa (BEM), Himpunan Mahasiswa Jurusan (HMJ) or Himpunan Mahasiswa (HIMA), and Keluarga Mahasiswa. Students commonly hold leadership roles, join student media or debate clubs, and participate in student exchanges or volunteer efforts. A Kartu Tanda Mahasiswa (KTM) is commonly used to identify students on campus.

Historically, mahasiswa have been active in political and social movements in Indonesia, notably during periods of reform and student protests. Today, they balance academic work with governance, activism, and increasingly digital or hybrid learning modalities.

Demographically, mahasiswa are predominantly in the late teens to mid-twenties and study across disciplines. They represent a diverse set of backgrounds and may face challenges such as funding, access to education, and mental health needs.