Outcome-Based Education (OBE) Curriculum: MBKM's Impact on Employability Skills in Arabic Education Graduates at Jambi University

Muhammad Sobri; Ady Muh. Zainul Mustofa; Agung Yusup; Nurazzelena Binti Abdullah

doi:10.32332/an-nabighoh.v27i1.161-178

Authors

Muhammad Sobri Universitas Jambi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1384-2939
Ady Muh. Zainul Mustofa Universitas Jambi https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6618-9400
Agung Yusup Universitas Jambi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0849-7667
Nurazzelena Binti Abdullah International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1522-8899

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32332/an-nabighoh.v27i1.161-178

Keywords:

MBKM, Employability Skills, Outcome-Based Education

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum under the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy and its role in enhancing employability skills in the Arabic Language Education program at Jambi University. Addressing the gap between labor market demands and conventional curriculum limitations, the research employed a qualitative case study approach, collecting data through interviews (5 lecturers, 5 students), participant observation (Teaching Campus activities, collaborative projects), as well as document analysis (MBKM policies, syllabi). Findings indicate that OBE-MBKM integration improves graduate employability, with internships, industry projects, and student exchanges fostering practical, communication, and leadership skills. Institutional support (lecturer training, industry networks) is key, yet challenges persist, including uneven lecturer understanding, infrastructure gaps, and weak industry partnerships. The study affirms the potential of OBE-MBKM potential to boost graduate competitiveness but highlights the need for systematic improvements in lecturer capacity, facilities, and stakeholder collaboration. Theoretically, it contributes to employability skill integration in higher education; practically, it offers policymakers actionable insights for designing market-responsive curricula.

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Author Biographies

Muhammad Sobri, Universitas Jambi

Muhammad Sobri is a lecturer at University of Jambi, specializing in Applied Linguistic and He holds a Master’s in Arabic Language Education from UIN Maulana Malik Ibarahim Malang. Currently, he is a lecturer at University of Jambi, focusing on Applied Linguistic. Muhammad Sobri has extensive experience in educational psychology, with a particular focus on sociolinguistics. In addition to his research, Muhammad Sobri is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and serving as Arabic Education Study Program coordinator at University of Jambi. He can be contacted at muhammadsobri@unja.ac.id.
Ady Muh. Zainul Mustofa, Universitas Jambi

Ady Muh. Zainul Mustofa is a lecturer at University of Jambi, specializing in Arabic Education and He holds a Master’s in Arabic Language Education from UIN Maulana Malik Ibarahim Malang. Currently, he is a lecturer at University of Jambi, focusing on Teaching Arabic to Non Arabic Speakers. Ady Muh. Zainul Mustofa has extensive experience in Arabic education, with a particular focus on learning media and technology. In addition to his research, Ady Muh. Zainul Mustofa is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and serving as Head of Language and Literature Education Laboratory at University of Jambi. He can be contacted at ady.zainul@unja.ac.id.
Agung Yusup , Universitas Jambi

Agung Yusup is a lecturer at University of Jambi, specializing in Applied Linguistic. He holds a Master’s in Teaching Arabic to Non Arabic Speakers from International Islamic University Malaysia. Currently, he is a lecturer at University of Jambi, focusing on Applied Linguistic. Agung Yusup has extensive experience in instructional of teaching, sosiolunguistic, psikolinguistic, with a particular focus on teaching of Arabic Language. In addition to research, Agung Yusup is actively involved in teaching, serving as tutor Kaafah. He can be contacted at agung.yusup@unja.ac.id.
Nurazzelena Binti Abdullah, International Islamic University Malaysia

Nurazzelena Binti Abdullah is a Ph.d (Arabic Linguistic Studies) Doctor of Philosophy, Assistant Professor International Islamic University Malaysia, specializing in Applied Linguistic. He holds a Master’s in Teaching Arabic to Non Arabic Speakers from International Islamic University Malaysia. Area of Specialisation Humanities Linguistics and Literature Linguistic Structures (Including Grammatical Structures and Lexicology) Teaching Arabic as Second Language. has extensive experience in instructional of teaching, sosiolunguistic, psikolinguistic, with a particular focus on teaching of Arabic Language. She can be contacted at azzelena@iium.edu.my.

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