Abdul Fattah Nasution; Ira Damayanti Hasibuan; Sallima Nur Alaina Rambe; Rafli Pasha
The Merdeka Curriculum is an educational innovation implemented gradually at SMA AL-HIDAYAH Medan to create more active, collaborative learning focused on strengthening students’ character through Project Based Learning. This study aims to examine the implementation process of the Merdeka Curriculum, identify supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation, and describe the strategies the school employs to overcome these challenges. The curriculum implementation began in grade X by eliminating the specialization system and applying interdisciplinary learning. The results show that teachers act as facilitators, while students actively participate in projects relevant to their daily lives and utilize digital media. Supporting factors include the enthusiasm of teachers and students, the relevance of learning projects, and flexible and interactive learning methods. Challenges faced include limited facilities, teachers’ administrative burdens, lack of training, and uneven curriculum application across grade levels. The school addresses these obstacles through internal training, administrative assistance, technology utilization, and regular evaluation and reflection. These strategies demonstrate the school’s commitment to managing educational change in an adaptive and transformative manner.