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The Independent Curriculum is the latest education policy designed to provide students with learning freedom with a focus on developing competencies that are more flexible and student-centered. This study explains the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at SMP Negeri Satu Atap 1 Dolat Rayat, a rural school with various resource limitations. The research method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with teachers, field observations, and school documentation. The results of the study based on the results of in-depth interviews with teachers, found the main challenges such as the low basic literacy skills of students, the limited facilities of learning support infrastructure, the low active participation of students, and the diversity of student backgrounds that affect the implementation of learning. In addition, limited support from parents and education policies are also obstacles. To optimize implementation, teachers implement strategies to strengthen literacy, continuous training, use contextual media, and build cross-stakeholder collaboration. This study confirms that the success of the Independent Curriculum in rural schools requires an adaptive contextual approach and synergy of all related parties.

The Independent Curriculum is the latest education policy designed to provide students with learning freedom with a focus on developing competencies that are more flexible and student-centered. This study explains the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at SMP Negeri Satu Atap 1 Dolat Rayat, a rural school with various resource limitations. The research method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with teachers, field observations, and school documentation. The results of the study based on the results of in-depth interviews with teachers, found the main challenges such as the low basic literacy skills of students, the limited facilities of learning support infrastructure, the low active participation of students, and the diversity of student backgrounds that affect the implementation of learning. In addition, limited support from parents and education policies are also obstacles. To optimize implementation, teachers implement strategies to strengthen literacy, continuous training, use contextual media, and build cross-stakeholder collaboration. This study confirms that the success of the Independent Curriculum in rural schools requires an adaptive contextual approach and synergy of all related parties.

Community empowerment is an important pillar in social development in Indonesia. This article discusses the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program by students of the Christian Leadership Study Program, Faculty of Theology, Tarutung State Christian Institute in Hutaraja Simanungkalit Village, Sipoholon District, North Tapanuli Regency. This activity focuses on spiritual and social development, through a literacy mentoring program for children and support for the elderly. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with a collaborative participatory method, which allows active interaction between students and the community. Data collection was carried out through observation, informal interviews, and documentation of activities. The evaluation results showed that the program succeeded in improving children's basic literacy skills and providing emotional support for the elderly, as well as strengthening social relationships in the community. Through this experience, students developed social skills and empathy, while the community felt the positive impact of student involvement. This article emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the academic world and local communities in realizing effective and sustainable empowerment.

This study investigates the simultaneous and individual effects of School-Based Management (SBM), principal supervision, transformational leadership, and work culture on the performance of junior high school teachers in Serang City, Indonesia. Against the backdrop of the Merdeka Curriculum and the shift to hybrid learning in the post-pandemic era, the research addresses persistent challenges such as hierarchical school cultures and technological disparities. Employing a quantitative ex post facto approach, data were collected from 316 teachers across public and private schools through structured questionnaires, classroom observations, and document analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis reveals that SBM, principal supervision, transformational leadership, and work culture each have significant and positive impacts on teacher performance, with transformational leadership and work culture exerting the most substantial influence. The results demonstrate that 74% of the variance in teacher performance can be explained by these four organizational factors, underscoring their critical role in shaping pedagogical competence, classroom management, and professional development. The study further highlights the necessity for comprehensive managerial training, the integration of technology in supervisory practices, and the cultivation of collaborative and innovative work cultures. Practical recommendations include enhancing principal leadership capacity, fostering instructional supervision, and investing in digital infrastructure to support sustainable improvements in teacher performance. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge on educational management in Indonesia and offer actionable insights for policymakers, school leaders, and educators aiming to strengthen teacher effectiveness amidst ongoing educational reforms and digital transformation.

This study investigates teachers’ perceptions, challenges, and institutional support related to the implementation of Differentiated Instruction (DI) in a rural Indonesian secondary school under the context of the Kurikulum Merdeka reform. While DI is widely recognized as a student-centered pedagogical framework that adapts content, process, product, and learning environment to students’ readiness, interests, and learning profiles (Tomlinson, 2017), its application in rural contexts remains underexplored. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected from three English teachers and two school stakeholders at MTs N 2 Manggarai Barat through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and classroom observations. Thematic analysis revealed that teachers perceived DI as a way to recognize learner diversity and as part of curriculum compliance, but their practices often remained partial and uneven. Stakeholders expressed awareness of DI, though with differing emphases: the headmaster focused on inclusivity, while the curriculum coordinator referred to multiple intelligences and student potential. Teachers faced challenges in three main areas: managing student diversity and curriculum shifts, preparing the Modul Ajar, and addressing students’ limited English vocabulary. Institutional support was evident through facilities, monitoring, and professional development, yet remained largely administrative rather than pedagogical. These findings confirm earlier studies that DI in Indonesia is conceptually valued but practically constrained by systemic, contextual, and linguistic barriers. The study recommends sustained, hands-on professional development, leadership mentoring, and reduced administrative burdens to enable DI’s transformative potential in rural schools.

This study examines the practice of project-based procedural text learning in seventh grade at SMP Negeri 4 Cilacap in the context of the implementation of the Independent Curriculum. The approach used was qualitative with a case study method through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results showed that teachers implemented contextual and project-based learning strategies by utilizing digital media and integrating the values ​​of the Pancasila Student Profile. Students demonstrated active involvement in learning activities, especially in the creation of video tutorials and procedural posters. However, there were still obstacles in the form of teachers' limited understanding of the application of learning differentiation and formative assessment, as well as a lack of adequate digital infrastructure support. This study provides a theoretical contribution to the development of a more contextual and transformative Indonesian language learning model. Practically, these findings can serve as a reference for teachers and policymakers in designing learning strategies relevant to student needs and encouraging the use of innovative media to increase student participation and understanding, particularly in coastal areas.

The implementation of teaching and learning activities in Indonesia is guided by the Curriculum. The curriculum is developed and refined in line with the rapid development of science and technology and the evolution of society. In the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, major changes have occurred in the world of education, especially in Indonesia, with a shift from direct learning in classrooms to distance education based on digital technology. The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of implementing the Independent Curriculum at SDN 060826 Kec. Medan Area. Through this approach, it is hoped to obtain a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the curriculum in improving the quality of education as well as identifying obstacles and opportunities that arise in its implementation. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method to analyze the effect of implementing the Merdeka Curriculum at SDN 060826 Kec. Medan Area. Research conducted by researchers at SDN 060826 Kec. Medan Area, it can be seen that they always regularly attend training from both the principal and teachers and to strengthen teachers' understanding of the Independent Learning Curriculum, teachers always hold monthly meetings with the Teacher Working Group (KKG) to resolve various problems related to the Independent Learning Curriculum. as well as to increase teacher competence in the process of teaching and learning activities.

The curriculum serves as a guideline for the teaching and learning process in schools. In Indonesia, the curriculum continues to evolve in line with changes in time and societal needs. These changes aim to adapt to advancements in science and technology, address challenges within the education system, and achieve more effective learning outcomes. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a literature study method, drawing data from journal articles, books, research reports, and other documents. The findings illustrate the evolution of the national primary education curriculum from 1945 to the Merdeka Curriculum of 2022, depicting a lengthy journey of curriculum adaptation to Indonesia's educational dynamics. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of developing a curriculum that is responsive to both global and local developments, as well as the necessity for an adaptive education system to meet the needs of modern society.

This study aims to analyze the representation of character values within the Eight Dimensions of Graduate Profiles aligned with the vision of the Pancasila Student Profile in Amalia Najichah’s poems from the anthology Surat dari Samudera (Letters from the Ocean). The research employs a qualitative approach using content analysis, complemented by stylistic and literary reception theories. The data consist of six poems analyzed based on eight character dimensions: Faith and Piety to God Almighty, Citizenship, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Independence, Health, and Communication. The findings reveal that all poems reflect these character values, with Citizenship and Collaboration as the most dominant dimensions. Stylistic analysis shows that the use of repetition, metaphor, and onomatopoeia not only enhances aesthetic quality but also reinforces moral and social messages. Meanwhile, reception theory analysis indicates that young readers can internalize these values cognitively, affectively, and socially through reflective and contextual reading experiences. The study concludes that youth poetry has strong potential as an effective medium for character education in the Merdeka Curriculum, both in intracurricular and co-curricular contexts. Therefore, Amalia Najichah’s works serve not only as aesthetic expressions of adolescence but also as strategic instruments for shaping a faithful, independent, collaborative, and Pancasila-oriented generation.

Equal access to education is a crucial issue in Islamic educational institutions in Indonesia. Ensuring that all students, without exception, have equal access to quality education is vital for the advancement of education in the country. In this context, Management Information Systems (MIS) play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of educational services. The implementation of MIS can streamline administrative processes, improve decision-making, and facilitate more equitable access to educational resources. This research employs a literature study approach, relying on books and journal articles as primary sources. The findings indicate that the application of MIS provides significant benefits in terms of planning, management, and evaluation. By providing real-time data, MIS enables educational institutions to make better decisions, monitor student progress, and allocate resources more effectively. Additionally, MIS enhances the transparency of educational services, ensuring that all stakeholders—students, parents, and educators—have access to important information related to educational processes and outcomes. However, challenges in the implementation of MIS remain, such as technical barriers related to inadequate infrastructure and limited access to technology, as well as human resource issues like insufficient training. To address these challenges, the research recommends providing comprehensive training programs for educators and administrators, investing in technological infrastructure, and promoting data integration across educational institutions. Overall, while MIS offers many advantages in promoting equal educational access, addressing technical and human resource challenges is crucial to fully realizing its potential in Islamic educational institutions in Indonesia.

Bendera dan lambang Negara, Bahasa Indonesia, serta Lagu Kebangsaan merupakan cerminan kedaulatan, kemandirian, dan eksistensi negara yang merdeka, bersatu, berdaulat, adil dan makmur, sekaligus sebagai jati diri bangsa dan identitas negara. Pada umumnya masyarakat mengetahui tentang bendera, bahasa, lambang negara, dan juga lagu kebangsaan serta menggunakannya dalam aktivitas bermasyarakat namun kurang memahami aspek yuridisnya secara baik dan benar. Hal ini dialami pula oleh para siswa di SMA Kesatrian 2 Semarang. Kegiatan PkM ini dilakukan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman para siswa SMA Kesatrian 2 Semarang tentang aspek yuridis penggunaan bendera, bahasa, lambang negara, dan lagu kebangsaan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari berdasar UU Nomor 24 Tahun 2009. Kegiatan dilaksanakan melalui teknis penyuluhan hukum dengan menggunakan metode ceramah, diskusi, tanya jawab, dan bantuan hukum. Evaluasi kegiatan penyuluhan dilakukan dengan metode tanya jawab langsung serta kuesioner. Hasil pelaksanaan kegiatan PkM, para siswa menjadi lebih memahami aspek yuridis penggunaan bendera, bahasa, dan lambang negara, serta lagu kebangsaan sesuai dengan peraturan perundangan yang berlaku. Demikian pula dengan sanksi administratif dan pidananya. Ada peningkatan pemahaman siswa saat sebelum dan setelah dilaksanakan kegiatan.

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) through the entrepreneurship theme at SMP Negeri 5 Kota Bengkulu and to identify its supporting and inhibiting factors. P5 is a program within the Merdeka Curriculum that emphasizes project-based learning to foster 21st-century skills and character, which include the dimensions of faith, global diversity, cooperation, independence, critical thinking, and creativity. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that the implementation of P5 was systematically carried out in planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. In the entrepreneurship theme, students were engaged in designing, producing, and marketing cassava chips. These activities enhanced entrepreneurial skills while also promoting independence, creativity, collaboration, and responsibility. The main supporting factors included strong leadership commitment, teacher creativity, availability of simple facilities, and involvement of parents and the local community. On the other hand, inhibiting factors identified were limited teacher training, a short project duration, minimal production resources, and the absence of standardized evaluation instruments. Overall, the implementation of P5 through the entrepreneurship theme successfully provided meaningful learning experiences that not only strengthened students’ understanding of entrepreneurship but also integrated Pancasila values into daily practice. The results of this study may serve as a reference for other schools in developing contextual P5 projects oriented toward character building.

The Merdeka Learning - Merdeka Campus (MBKM) policy is a groundbreaking initiative in Indonesia’s higher education system, aiming to create more flexible learning opportunities, connect students with the workforce, and integrate experiential learning. The key strength of this policy lies in its ability to empower students to develop independent learning through extracurricular activities that align with their competencies. At Yudharta Pasuruan University, MBKM has been adopted as an important strategy to enhance the quality of education while preparing graduates to be adaptive and competent in an ever-changing job market. The main aim of this research is to analyze how the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the MBKM program at Yudharta Pasuruan University contribute to improving student independence in learning. The focus of this study includes examining curriculum management, faculty support, and the university's partnerships with external organizations, which are all vital components of the MBKM program. This research uses a qualitative approach, with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The data analysis process involves data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that Yudharta Pasuruan University has successfully implemented MBKM through clear policy planning, curriculum adjustments, and the strengthening of external partnerships. Students have gained significant benefits, including increased independence in learning, enhanced critical thinking skills, improved adaptability, and valuable real-world experiences in their chosen fields. These outcomes show that the MBKM program at Yudharta Pasuruan University plays a critical role in transforming higher education, making it more relevant, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of both students and the workforce. This research underscores the importance of MBKM in encouraging the development of a more independent and competent generation of graduates.

This study aims to analyze K.H. Ahmad Dahlan’s concept of educational philosophy and its implications for the principles and components of the Kurikulum Merdeka (Independent Curriculum). The research employs a qualitative approach using library research with a descriptive-comparative analysis method. Data were obtained from primary and secondary literature discussing Ahmad Dahlan’s educational thought and national education policies. The findings indicate that Ahmad Dahlan’s educational philosophy emphasizes the integration of religious and general sciences, rejecting the dichotomy of knowledge. This concept aligns with the spirit of the Independent Curriculum, which promotes learning freedom, character development, and contextual learning. His philosophical ideas are reflected in strengthening the values of the Profil Pelajar Pancasila, including faith, critical thinking, independence, and collaboration. Therefore, Ahmad Dahlan’s educational philosophy serves as a philosophical foundation for developing a national education system that is both character-based and civilized.  

This study aims to examine the impact of the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum on improving the competence and performance of Christian Religious Education teachers based on Mark 1:21–28 in South Tangerang City. The Merdeka Curriculum, launched in 2022, was designed as a solution for student-centered and differentiated learning. The research focuses on analyzing teachers’ lack of understanding in preparing differentiated learning, the suboptimal imple-mentation of project-based learning, and the relationship between the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and the improvement of teachers’ competence and performance. The study was conducted within the Ministry of Religious Affairs, South Tangerang City, Banten Province, with a population of 61 Christian Religious Education teachers. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS 25 for Windows with a quantita-tive approach, regression analysis, and linearity testing. The results show that the implementation of the Merdeka Curric-ulum has a positive impact on teacher competence (87.2%) and performance (86.3%). These findings align with Jesus’ teaching principles in Mark 1:21–28, namely authoritative teaching that produces tangible impact, serving as a theological foundation for improving teaching quality. In conclusion, the better the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, the higher the competence and performance of Christian Religious Education teachers in South Tangerang City.

Social-emotional skills are an important aspect of early childhood development that influences learning readiness and character formation. This study aims to analyze the role of role-playing activities in supporting children's social-emotional development. The method used is descriptive qualitative with a literature study approach through a review of accredited journals, early childhood education books, and articles published in the last five years. The results of the study show that role-playing can improve empathy, cooperation, emotional regulation, and communication. Children who are involved in this activity are more courageous in expressing themselves, understanding the feelings of others, and learning to control their emotions in social interactions. These findings confirm that role-playing not only serves as a means of entertainment but also as a learning strategy that supports the achievement of early childhood education learning in the Merdeka Curriculum. The implication of this research is the need for teachers to be creative in designing contextual role-playing scenarios, providing adequate playing facilities, and supporting educational policies so that role-playing activities can become the foundation for the formation of early childhood character that is empathetic, communicative, and disciplined.

Indonesia’s position along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly vulnerable to natural disasters, highlighting the urgent need to integrate disaster mitigation into school learning. Geography, as a discipline that examines Earth’s physical and human phenomena, holds strategic potential for strengthening students’ disaster awareness and preparedness, especially in high-risk regions such as Ambon. The Merdeka Curriculum provides instructional flexibility that enables the incorporation of disaster-related themes into learning processes. This study aims to design and develop a disaster-mitigation-based geography teaching module for senior high schools in Ambon City. A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving classroom observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis to explore existing teaching practices and needs. The study producede a comprehensive design for a disaster-mitigation-integrated geography module. The findings demonstrate that integrating disaster mitigation into geography learning through a structured module enhances the relevance, applicability, and effectiveness of instruction. This research contributes to strengthening disaster-responsive geography education within the Merdeka Curriculum and supports efforts to improve student preparedness in disaster-prone areas.

The Independent Entrepreneurship Program is one of the strategic efforts of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of students through direct experiential learning. This program is present as a forum for students to not only understand entrepreneurship theory, but also to practice in real life the process of building and managing a business. In its implementation, the program involves active collaboration between universities, industry mentors, and field supervisors who play a role in providing direction, guidance, and evaluation of student business development. Through Independent Entrepreneurship, students are given the opportunity to design creative business ideas, run a business on a real scale, and solve various entrepreneurial challenges they face. This activity not only trains managerial, communication, and innovation skills, but also improves critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition, students gain valuable experience in terms of teamwork, financial management, marketing strategies, building business networks, and the use of digital technology to support business sustainability. The results of the program implementation show positive impacts, including increased confidence, independence, and students' understanding of the real business world. Furthermore, this program encourages the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in a sustainable campus environment and is able to be the forerunner of the birth of a young generation of Indonesian entrepreneurs who are resilient, innovative, creative, adaptive to changing times, and have high competitiveness. Thus, Independent Entrepreneurship not only plays a role as a skill development program, but also becomes one of the important foundations in preparing students to face the world of work and becoming independent business actors who are professional, visionary, sustainability-oriented, and make a real contribution to the nation's economic development.

The purpose of this research is to understand and examine the level of understanding and problems faced by teachers towards the implementation of the independent curriculum in physical education learning. The population of this study is all PJOK subject teachers in Pasuruan Regency and use cluster random sampling. The instruments in this research used questionnaires, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques use quantitative and qualitative descriptive techniques. Quantitative analysis is obtained from the results of teachers filling out questionnaires and analyzed using percentage formulas. While qualitative analysis using data reduction, data presentation, and making conclusions. The results of filling out a questionnaire on the level of teacher understanding of the implementation of the independent curriculum in physical education learning in elementary schools in Pasuruan Regency were obtained 75,53% with the category of understanding most. At the planning stage, 76,40% were obtained, the learning implementation stage was 74,74%, the learning assessment was 74,99%, the processing and reporting stage of assessment results was 75,64%, and the reflection and follow-up stage was 75,26%. Furthermore, the problem that becomes difficult is when carrying out learning which leads to strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile. So it can be concluded that the level of teacher understanding of the implementation of the independent curriculum in PJOK learning in junior high schools in Pasuruan Regency results in understanding most of it. And the most difficult problem lies in Pancasila Student Profile.  

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Kepercayaan Terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa dan Budi Pekerti di Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) se-Kabupaten Semarang. Latar belakang penelitian ini didasarkan pada tantangan yang dihadapi dalam penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka, terutama dalam hal pemahaman guru Kepercayaan Terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa terhadap Kurikulum Merdeka. Kurikulum Merdeka diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran yang lebih fleksibel dan berpusat pada peserta didik, namun implementasinya masih menghadapi berbagai kendala, terutama pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Kepercayaan Terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa dan Budi Pekerti. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan jenis deskriptif. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi di SMP Negeri 1 Ambarawa dan SMP Negeri 2 Sumowono. Teknik analisis data meliputi reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perencanaan Kurikulum Merdeka telah melibatkan berbagai pihak, namun masih terdapat kendala dalam penyusunan modul ajar yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan lokal. Pelaksanaan Kurikulum Merdeka telah menunjukkan upaya inklusivitas, tetapi metode pembelajaran masih didominasi oleh ceramah dan diskusi dengan minimnya penggunaan media pembelajaran yang variatif. Evaluasi pembelajaran telah mencakup asesmen formatif dan sumatif, namun evaluasi berbasis proyek belum sepenuhnya terstruktur.