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The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum is a national education policy aimed at enhancing the quality of learning through a more flexible, student-centered approach that emphasizes character strengthening. However, the implementation of this curriculum in Islamic schools based on pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) presents unique challenges that require in-depth study. This research aims to describe the challenges faced by teachers in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum at MANU Putra Buntet Pesantren and to examine the school's readiness in supporting its execution. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques including observation, semi-structured interviews with the Vice Principal for Curriculum Affairs, and documentation. The results indicate that the Merdeka Curriculum has been implemented in grades X and XI, but its execution is not yet fully optimal. The main challenges faced by teachers include low student engagement in learning, demands for adapting to rapid policy changes from the government and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as limitations in supporting learning facilities and infrastructure. Nevertheless, the character of MANU Putra Buntet Pesantren as an Islamic school based on pesantren serves as a strength in integrating Islamic values into learning. The implications of this research highlight the need for mentoring, more intensive socialization, and improved facilities to ensure the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Islamic schools can be more effective and aligned with the objectives of Islamic education.

The research intends to formulate an integrative approach for designing the Merdeka Curriculum based on Deep Learning in the Economics subject at SMA N 1 Boyolali. The rapid advancement of digital technology demands more adaptive, contextual, and student-centered learning models aligned with 21st- century competencies. Using a an exploratory research approach supported by a structured assessment of prior studies (SLR), this research synthesizes theoretical perspectives and previous studies related to curriculum design, deep learning, and educational innovation. The results reveal that the incorporation of Deep Learning into the Merdeka Curriculum offers a more responsive and data-driven framework, enabling deeper conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in Economics learning. However, several challenges were identified, including teachers limited digital competence, insufficient infrastructure, and minimal curriculum innovation training. The study emphasizes the significance of combining technological and pedagogical innovation to strengthen learning quality. The results provide a conceptual model that educators can adopt to design an adaptive curriculum aligned with students’ characteristics and contemporary educational demands.

This study aims to analyze how the implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka supports the cultivation of Christian moral values among senior high school students in Christian Religious Education (PAK) classes. Using a library research method, the study reviews various written sources including books, scholarly articles, and curriculum documents to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how Christian values are integrated into PAK learning. The findings reveal that the Kurikulum Merdeka provides wide opportunities for student-centered, contextual, and character-oriented learning through the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (P5) Project. Christian values such as love, honesty, responsibility, forgiveness, and compassion can be internalized through intracurricular, co-curricular, and experiential project-based activities. The role of teachers as moral exemplars is crucial in guiding students’ character formation. The study also identifies several challenges, including the influence of digital culture, lack of role models within families, and limited instructional time. In conclusion, the implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka has significant potential to foster Christian character in students, yet requires collaborative support from schools, families, and churches to achieve maksimal outcomes.

This study aims to analyze the role and strategies of introducing mathematical proofs appropriately for students, as well as to describe their contribution to enhancing logical, critical thinking, and understanding of mathematical concepts. The method used is library research with a descriptive qualitative approach through the analysis of various current scientific literature relevant to mathematics learning and education. The results of the study indicate that mathematical proofs not only function as a tool for verifying the truth of a statement but also as an epistemological process that develops deductive, argumentative, and reflective reasoning skills in understanding the structure and relationships of mathematical logic. Effective introduction strategies include the use of visual representations, collaborative learning, linguistic scaffolding, and the application of a gradual approach from informal argumentation to formal deduction. The approach has been proven to enhance students conceptual understanding, argumentative skills, and logical awareness. The implication is that proofs need to be systematically integrated into mathematics learning in secondary schools to strengthen Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and develop a scientific mindset in accordance with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum

This study aims to explore Al-Syarqawi’s concept of learning motivation and its relevance to the development of students’ interest in learning within the framework of modern Islamic education. The research adopts a qualitative approach with a library research method and applies content analysis to Al-Ta’allum: Al-Nadhariyat wa Al-Tatbiqiyyah and other relevant references. The results show that Al-Syarqawi places motivation as a fundamental condition that determines the continuity and success of the learning process. Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, covers spiritual, psychological, social, and biological dimensions that guide students toward meaningful learning experiences. Al-Syarqawi emphasizes that spiritual motivation should be integrated into the educational process to create balance between intellectual development and moral-spiritual growth. His thought remains relevant to holistic and character-based education, especially in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum, which promotes student independence, creativity, and moral responsibility. Thus, this study contributes to enriching Islamic educational thought by providing an integrative perspective that harmonizes spiritual, psychological, and pedagogical values to enhance students’ motivation and learning engagement.

The improvement of Islamic elementary education quality largely depends on the competence of teachers as the primary agents of learning. In the context of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI), the challenges of globalization and the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum demand teachers to develop professionally, innovatively, and with strong Islamic values. This study aims to analyze the integration of transformational leadership and organizational culture in enhancing the quality of teachers’ human resources in MI. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed at three Islamic elementary schools in Central Java. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model with source and method triangulation for validation. The findings reveal that transformational leadership practiced by school principals plays a crucial role in building teachers’ motivation, commitment, and change orientation through exemplary behavior, inspiration, and empowerment. Meanwhile, an organizational culture rooted in Islamic values strengthens collaboration, professionalism, and shared responsibility among teachers. The integration of these two elements creates a synergistic effect that enhances teachers’ pedagogical, professional, and spiritual competencies. It can be concluded that transformational leadership combined with a strong organizational culture serves as an effective strategy to sustainably improve teacher quality in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah..

This study aims to compare the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia and the National Curriculum in Japan from both conceptual and practical perspectives. The analysis focuses on the fundamental principles, educational goals, learning approaches, and classroom implementation. Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility and autonomy for teachers and students, highlighting competency development, character building, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). Meanwhile, Japan’s National Curriculum centers on fostering a well-balanced personality through integrated moral, social, and academic education. Conceptually, both curricula share similarities in promoting holistic learning and character education, yet they differ in implementation and assessment systems. In Indonesia, project-based and differentiated learning approaches are key features, whereas Japan emphasizes collaborative learning, discipline, and hands-on experience in daily life. Practically, Indonesia faces challenges in ensuring equal access to resources and teacher readiness, while Japan has established a stable and standardized national education system. This comparative analysis reveals that Indonesia can learn from Japan in terms of consistency, learning culture, and the integration of moral and social values. Thus, the study provides valuable insights for enhancing Indonesia’s curriculum to become more globally responsive while preserving national identity and character.

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in building the foundation for children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and creative development. Creativity is an essential aspect that must be stimulated through meaningful and contextual play activities. This study aims to describe the process and outcomes of developing children’s creativity through the implementation of loose part play with the theme “School Environment” at TK Tunas Karya III Sukanagara. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving 64 children from group A and group B, along with their accompanying teachers. Data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation of the children’s creative works during the activities. The results reveal that loose part play effectively enhances children’s creativity. The children demonstrated improvements in divergent thinking, imagination, and self-confidence. Moreover, they became more environmentally aware, utilized recycled materials to create new objects, and exhibited collaboration and responsibility in group activities. Teachers played an essential role as facilitators who provided support and guidance throughout the exploration process. The loose part approach aligns with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes active, participatory, and experience-based learning for young children. This study provides practical implications for early childhood educators to design creative learning experiences that are low-cost, environmentally friendly, and relevant to the children’s real-life context.

Indonesia is a country with a high level of disaster vulnerability due to its location at the meeting point of three world tectonic plates and the Pacific Ring of Fire region. The Merdeka Curriculum provides a strategic opportunity in integrating disaster education to equip students with understanding, skills, and responsive attitudes to disaster risks. Through a contextual and participatory approach, schools can become centers of preparedness that not only train students but also strengthen collective awareness in dealing with emergency situations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the synergistic relationship between the Merdeka Curriculum and disaster education to strengthen preparedness in educational units in Indonesia. The method used in this study is a literature study. The results of the study show that the Merdeka Curriculum opens great opportunities for strengthening disaster education through integration in various subjects and strengthening student character in accordance with the Pancasila Student Profile. Although there are still implementation challenges, such as limited teacher understanding and lack of national standards, holistic strategies, policy support, and cross-sector collaboration can encourage the realization of effective, sustainable, and contextual disaster education in educational units.

Analysis Of Student Learning Outcomes In The Implementation Of The Merdeka Currikulum In IPAS Learning For Grade IV Students At SDK Manumuti” aims to examine: (1) The Learning Planning in grade IV SDK Manumuti using teaching tools provided by the ministry of education and culture; (2) The Implementation of IPAS learning in grade IV based on the merdeka curriculum at SDK Manumuti; and (3) The Evaluation of IPAS learning in grade IV using the merdeka curriculum. This study employed field research with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and dokumentation, using both primary and secondary data sources. Data analysis techniques included data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that: (1) Lesson Planning in grade IV SDK Manumuti has been carried out using the teaching materials provided by the ministry of education and culture; (2) The Implementation of IPAS learning is conducted properly in accordance with the designed teaching modules, consisting of initial activities, core activities, and closing activities; and (3) The Evaluation of learning in Grade IV SDK Manumuti refers to assessments provited by the ministry of education and culture, using formative assessments in each lesson. However, not all assessment have been implemented, particulary the diagnostic assessment which assesessment which has not yet been applied in every leasson.

This study aims to describe the implementation of 21st-century skills oriented toward the Merdeka Curriculum through the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) at SMAN 1 Rejotangan. A qualitative research approach was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and triangulation. The research subjects included Grade X students, homeroom teachers, and the vice principal of curriculum affairs. The findings reveal that the implementation of 21st-century skills—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy—has been effectively integrated into the P5 project under the theme Sustainable Lifestyle. The project activities fostered students’ environmental awareness, independence, creativity, and social responsibility. The planning, implementation, and evaluation stages were conducted systematically, with teachers serving as facilitators and students as active participants. Optimization efforts were carried out through teacher capacity building, technology integration, and collaboration with external partners. The study concludes that implementing the Merdeka Curriculum through P5 effectively cultivates adaptive, innovative, and character-driven learners based on the values of Pancasila

This study aims to examine in depth how gender equality values are integrated into Buddhist Religious Education (PAB) at the junior high school level, based on the Merdeka Curriculum. Through a content analysis approach to character representation, women's roles, language, visual illustrations, access to Dhamma education, gender equality values, role models of female characters, students' critical reflections, and narrative-visual consistency, this study identifies significant gaps in gender representation. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through content analysis of PAB textbooks for grades VII–IX and interviews with three Dharma teachers in Jakarta. The results show that the representation of female characters in the textbooks is very limited and the learning narratives tend to be normative without addressing structural aspects of gender inequality. The findings indicate the dominance of male characters, the lack of functional narratives about nuns and women, and the use of language and illustrations that tend to reinforce traditional gender stereotypes. Although there are attempts to mention gender equality in some chapters, the integration is not comprehensive and consistent across the materials. This article recommends the development of a more inclusive curriculum and teaching materials, encouraging balanced gender representation, and integrating gender equality values holistically in Buddhist religious education to form a more equitable and comprehensive understanding for students, as well as teacher training based on critical pedagogy and revision of learning content to reflect gender equality in Buddhist teachings.

The Merdeka Curriculum policy, initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), marks a significant paradigm shift in the Indonesian educational landscape. This curriculum emphasizes student-centered learning, flexibility, and the development of competencies according to students' interests and talents. This study aims to critically analyze the relevance of the philosophy of progressivism, pioneered by John Dewey, as a conceptual foundation for the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Using a systematic literature review method on 15 Sinta indexed scientific journals (minimum Sinta 4) published between 2018-2024, this study examines the alignment between the core principles of progressivism such as experience as the basis of learning (learning by doing), the teacher's role as a facilitator, problem-solving, and democratic education and the essence of the Merdeka Curriculum policy. The analysis reveals a strong alignment between the two concepts. Project-based learning, content differentiation, and formative assessment within the Merdeka Curriculum are concrete manifestations of progressive ideas. However, this study also identifies implementation challenges, such as teacher readiness, school culture transformation, and resource availability, which can hinder the internalization of this philosophy at the practical level. It is concluded that a deep understanding of the philosophy of progressivism by stakeholders, especially educational managers and teachers, is crucial to ensure that the Merdeka Curriculum becomes not just an administrative change, but also a substantive and sustainable pedagogical transformation.

This study aims to analyze Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning at SMP NU Muara Sugihan from the perspective of the National Education Standards (SNP), focusing on the integration of NU values. A qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and school documentation. The findings indicate that the school curriculum adopts the Merdeka Curriculum combined with local content of kitab kuning, so that learning emphasizes not only academic mastery but also the development of religious character, moral integrity, and tolerance. The learning process is conducted collaboratively involving teachers, the principal, staff, parents, and students, supported by routine spiritual activities such as congregational Dhuha prayers. The assessment system integrates formative, summative, and religious practice-based evaluations. These results demonstrate that value internalization at SMP NU Muara Sugihan is effective, consistent with the internalization value theory of Muhammad Alim and Ahmad Tafsir, and supports the balanced achievement of students’ academic, spiritual, and social competencies. Practically, the findings can serve as a model for NU-based schools in designing curriculum, learning strategies, and value-based extracurricular activities.

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of implementing a descriptive writing learning model based on digital literacy and local wisdom in improving writing skills, learning motivation, and cultural character among junior high school students. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design, the research was conducted at SMP Negeri 2 Kroya, Cilacap Regency, during the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, and were subsequently analyzed using the interactive model developed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The findings indicate that the application of this model effectively enhances students’ writing abilities in terms of content, structure, language style, and digital literacy ethics. The integration of digital technology fosters the development of cognitive, technical, and social literacy, while the reinforcement of local wisdom cultivates cultural awareness, regional identity pride, and reflective thinking skills. Writing activities evolved into collaborative and creative processes that combine cultural exploration with the ethical use of digital technology. From a pedagogical perspective, this model aligns with the principles of deep learning promoted by the Kurikulum Merdeka and contributes to strengthening the Eight Dimensions of Graduate Competencies, particularly in critical reasoning and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, collaboration and mutual cooperation, as well as the development of the Pancasila student profile and global citizenship. Therefore, the descriptive writing learning model based on digital literacy and local wisdom can be regarded as an innovative strategy in Indonesian language education to realize a contextual, reflective, creative, and culturally grounded learning process.

This study explores the epistemological foundation of Islamic education in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum implementation in Indonesia. The research aims to analyze how Islamic epistemology—which integrates revelation, reason, and experience—can be harmonized with the principles of independent learning that emphasize flexibility, contextual understanding, and character development. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study collects data through literature review and content analysis of relevant academic works and policy documents. The findings show that the integration of Islamic epistemology provides a philosophical framework that strengthens the spiritual and moral dimensions of education while maintaining academic autonomy. The implications highlight the importance of teachers’ capacity, curriculum adaptation, and policy support to ensure that the Merdeka Curriculum remains grounded in Islamic educational values. This study contributes to the discourse on contemporary Islamic education by proposing an integrative model that aligns faith-based knowledge with modern educational paradigms.  

The Merdeka Curriculum is a curriculum designed to provide flexibility to educational units in developing student-centered learning, including in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subjects. This research aims to describe the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and analyze its impact on PAI learning at Manu Putra Buntet Pesantren Islamic School. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques in the form of observation and interviews with the school's Vice Principal for Curriculum. The results show that the Merdeka Curriculum has been implemented in grades X and XI, while grade XII still uses the 2013 Curriculum due to an unfinished transition process. In its implementation, this curriculum strives to encourage student activity and integrate Islamic values according to the characteristics of the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) environment. However, students' adaptation to the active learning model is not yet optimal, so learning still tends to be teacher-centered. In addition, limitations in facilities and infrastructure such as projectors and technological devices also hinder the full implementation of innovative methods. Overall, the Merdeka Curriculum has a positive impact on strengthening religious character and contextualizing PAI learning but requires improved facilities and further mentoring for teachers and students so that the curriculum's goals can be optimally achieved.

Learning evaluation is an important element in the educational process because it allows us to determine the extent to which students have achieved their competencies and helps improve the quality of learning. Objective tests are considered relevant because they can measure students' thinking abilities efficiently and systematically. However, in PAI learning, there are challenges because what is assessed is not only knowledge, but also understanding, attitudes, and actions in religion. This study aims to analyze the application of objective test instruments in evaluating PAI learning at SMA Negeri 1 Jetis Bantul, including how teachers create questions, the difficulties they encounter, and the impact on students. This study uses a qualitative approach with interview, observation, and documentation techniques, then content analysis is used to analyze the results. The findings indicate that teachers have applied HOTS-based questions in accordance with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum. However, students still have difficulty understanding long narrative questions, and objective instruments are not appropriate for assessing affective aspects. In general, students respond positively, but their learning style tends to be instant, relying solely on question outlines. To achieve holistic educational goals in line with the Pancasila Student Profile, continuous innovation is needed in the development of objective testing instruments that are capable of comprehensively measuring cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects.

The Merdeka Curriculum implemented in various schools in Indonesia aims to provide flexibility in learning, where students can learn according to their individual needs, interests, and pace. One of the challenges in implementing this curriculum is how to effectively identify classroom activity and student discipline. SD Islamiyah, as a school that implements the Merdeka Curriculum, also faces challenges in understanding variations in student classroom activity and discipline. Some students are able to learn in a disciplined manner with little guidance, while others require more intensive support from teachers. Therefore, a system is needed that can group student data more systematically so that teachers can develop teaching strategies that suit the needs of each group of students. One algorithm that can be used in data grouping is k-means clustering. The K-Means algorithm is a non-hierarchical algorithm derived from the data clustering method. The K-Means algorithm begins with the formation of cluster partitions at the beginning, then iteratively refines these cluster partitions until there are no significant changes in the cluster partitions. The K-Means method partitions data into groups so that data with similar characteristics are placed in the same group and data with different characteristics are grouped into other groups. This method can help group students more accurately based on their Class Activity and Discipline. From the results of the analysis, it was concluded that the student data group with Class Activity was Moderately Active Students, with Discipline being Disciplined, and an average score of 71-80.

Technological advancements in education have led to major transformations, particularly with the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes learning flexibility, student-centered approaches, and educator autonomy in developing innovative teaching methods. One of its essential aspects is the integration of technology for managing educational data, including student health records. At SMP IT Mutia Rahma, biannual student health monitoring has generated a growing volume of data, making it difficult to identify students experiencing psychological challenges. Adolescent mental health problems—such as learning stress, anxiety, and social pressure—can negatively affect academic performance if left unaddressed. This study aims to group students based on their mental health conditions to support more effective intervention strategies. The K-Means Algorithm, a data mining technique for clustering data by similarity, was employed to analyze student health data. The results show that in a three-cluster model, Cluster 2 represents students in a stable condition characterized by high resilience and low counseling needs, indicating good mental health and academic engagement. Meanwhile, Clusters 1 and 3 include students requiring further attention and support. This research demonstrates that the K-Means Algorithm can serve as an effective tool in identifying and categorizing student mental health conditions to improve school-based health management and early intervention programs.