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This study aims to analyze the implementation of Dayak local wisdom values in the Merdeka Curriculum at public elementary schools in Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. Dayak local wisdom, which encompasses values such as mutual cooperation, solidarity, tolerance, environmental awareness, and respect for cultural traditions, plays a significant role in shaping students' character amid the challenges of globalization and the disruptive era. This research employs a qualitative approach using a case study method. The research participants include school principals, teachers, students, and educational stakeholders from several public elementary schools in Pulang Pisau Regency. Data are collected through observations, in-depth interviews, documentation, and literature reviews. Data analysis is conducted using an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings are expected to provide a comprehensive description of how Dayak local wisdom values are integrated into the planning, implementation, and evaluation of learning activities within the Merdeka Curriculum framework. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify supporting and inhibiting factors affecting the implementation of local wisdom in educational practices and to formulate strategic recommendations for strengthening character education and preserving local culture in elementary schools. The results are expected to serve as a reference for educational policy development that promotes cultural preservation and enhances the quality of learning in accordance with the socio-cultural context of local communities.

In this study, it is planned to analyze teachers' and students' perceptions regarding the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at IRE classes in MTs Tanada. In terms of method used, this study is a qualitative study carried out with field studies in which methods of observation, interviews, and documentation are included. According to the findings obtained from the study, the Merdeka Curriculum has brought about changes in the process of PAI teaching in terms of active participation of students, using digital media in learning processes, discussion activities through the P5 process. While teachers see the Merdeka Curriculum as flexible and supportive of creative learning, students see the lessons taught within the scope of this curriculum as diverse and attractive. Although the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum shows some positive aspects, it has also faced a number of challenges related to different understandings between teachers, regulations, difficulty in assessing attitudes, and the heavy workload of students. This study concluded that the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Islamic Education in MTs Tanada was quite successful despite the need for improvements in teaching skills.

The quality of Catholic Religious Education learning is an important aspect in shaping students’ faith, character, knowledge, and religious life skills. However, the learning process at SMK Negeri 1 Talibura still faces various challenges, particularly in the areas of spiritual attitudes, social attitudes, Catholic religious knowledge, and religious life skills. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum (Merdeka Belajar Curriculum) and its contribution to improving the quality of Catholic Religious Education learning at SMK Negeri 1 Talibura. The research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation involving the principal, Catholic Religious Education teachers, students, and parents. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum has been carried out effectively through learning planning, learning implementation, learning assessment, and the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). This implementation has had a positive impact on the learning process, outputs, and outcomes. Students demonstrated improvements in spiritual attitudes, social attitudes, Catholic religious knowledge, and religious life skills, as well as positive behavioral changes in their daily lives. The findings imply that the Independent Learning Curriculum can serve as an effective strategy for improving the quality of Catholic Religious Education learning in a holistic manner.

The Merdeka Curriculum introduces a paradigm shift in Indonesia's educational assessment system, moving from an outcome-oriented approach toward one that positions evaluation as an integral part of the learning process itself. This article examines how learning evaluation is implemented as an instrument to improve the quality of student learning within the Merdeka Curriculum framework. This study employs a library research method, analyzing relevant policy documents, regulations, and academic literature. The findings indicate that the Merdeka Curriculum shifts the focus of evaluation from mere measurement (assessment of learning) toward assessment as learning and assessment for learning, realized through three main forms of assessment: diagnostic, formative, and summative. Proper implementation of these three forms enables teachers to map students' individual learning needs, provide continuous feedback, and design differentiated instruction that is more relevant to learners' characteristics. However, field implementation still faces several challenges, including uneven teacher understanding, time constraints, and limited technical training in designing authentic assessment instruments. This article recommends strengthening teacher competence, providing practical technical guidance, and offering continuous mentoring as strategic steps to ensure that learning evaluation truly functions as an instrument for improving learning quality, rather than merely an administrative formality.

This community service program aims to enhance farmers’ literacy on independent fertilizer production and strengthen their understanding of farmers’ rights within national fertilizer governance as an effort to achieve food sovereignty. The program was implemented in Belang Village, Bungkal Sub-district, Ponorogo Regency, involving GAPOKTAN Baungan consisting of farmer groups from Tempel, Kepuh, Pakal, Kanigoro, and Klatakan hamlets. This initiative represents cross-university synergy involving lecturers from Universitas Merdeka Malang, Universitas Soerjo Ngawi, Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo, and Akademi Kesejahteraan Sosial Ibu Kartini Semarang. The implementation adopted a participatory hybrid approach combining Zoom Meeting dissemination and offline field activities. Activities included literacy enhancement on independent fertilizer production, training on organic fertilizer processing, strengthening farmer group institutions, and legal literacy regarding farmers’ rights in accessing subsidized fertilizers, including RDKK mechanisms and national policies. Methods comprised participatory socialization, hands-on training, group discussions, field practice, and monitoring and evaluation. Results show improved understanding of independent fertilizer concepts, increased technical skills in organic fertilizer production, and greater awareness of farmers’ rights and obligations in the fertilizer distribution system. The program strengthened inter-university collaboration and farmer networks, supporting sustainability, farmer independence, reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, and community-based food sovereignty.

Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) has become a key objective of English language education; however, its implementation in Indonesia remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the alignment between ICC expectations in the Kurikulum Merdeka, English textbooks, and classroom practices in Indonesian senior high schools. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was employed, involving document analysis of four government-issued English textbooks for grades X–XII, classroom observations in 15 schools across three provinces, a survey of 87 English teachers, and in-depth interviews with 18 teachers and 36 students. The findings reveal a three-level gap. First, the curriculum acknowledges ICC but lacks clear and measurable operational guidelines. Second, textbooks predominantly emphasize Anglo-American culture (64.8% of cultural content) while providing limited representation of Indonesian and global cultures. Third, 78.2% of teachers reported not explicitly integrating cultural dimensions into English instruction, resulting in stereotypical and culturally limited classroom practices. To address these issues, the study proposes the Triangulated Cultural Literacy (TCL) framework, integrating reflection on learners’ own culture, balanced exploration of target cultures, and intercultural negotiation. The findings highlight the need to operationalize ICC in the curriculum, improve textbook cultural representation, and strengthen teachers’ intercultural pedagogical competence.

This study aims to describe the planning, implementation, and assessment of differentiated instruction in teaching descriptive text writing to ninth-grade students at SMP Negeri 2 Bendo, Magetan Regency. The study was conducted in response to students difficulties in generating ideas, selecting appropriate vocabulary, organizing ideas coherently, and producing vivid descriptive texts. This research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through lesson plan observation, classroom observation, teacher interviews, and documentation of student learning products. The findings indicate that differentiated instruction was planned through a Merdeka Curriculum-based teaching module, diagnostic assessment, contextual material selection, and the use of PowerPoint, observation sheets, and tiered student worksheets. The implementation emphasized process and learning-environment differentiation through triggering questions, direct observation of real objects around the school, group work, individual scaffolding, immediate feedback, and reflection. Assessment was carried out continuously through diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment. Differentiated instruction helped students generate concrete ideas, organize their writing more systematically, increase motivation, and strengthen descriptive text writing skills. These findings affirm that differentiated instruction can serve as an adaptive strategy in Indonesian language learning at junior high school level.

Collaboration between classroom teachers and Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers constitutes an essential strategy for instilling religious moderation values in elementary schools. This study aims to: (1) describe the forms of collaboration developed between classroom teachers and PAI teachers; (2) assess the effectiveness of such collaboration in inculcating religious moderation values; (3) identify changes in students' attitudes as tangible outcomes of collaboration; and (4) analyze supporting and inhibiting factors of collaboration at SDN 3 Wanamekar. A descriptive qualitative approach was applied using field study methods. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document review. Data analysis followed the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, encompassing data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data credibility was ensured through source triangulation and technique triangulation. Findings indicate that collaboration occurs in two primary forms: reactive collaboration as a spontaneous response to students' intolerant behavior, and planned collaboration involving curriculum coordination, partial co-teaching, and joint evaluation. Collaboration was assessed as sufficiently effective yet suboptimal due to time constraints and excessive administrative burdens. Positive changes in students' tolerance and inclusive attitudes were identified as concrete outcomes. Supporting factors include favorable interpersonal communication, principal support, and moderation value integration in the Merdeka Curriculum. Main inhibiting factors are time limitations, administrative burdens, shallow conceptual understanding of religious moderation, and the absence of a standardized collaboration model. The study recommends establishing structured collaboration schedules and religious moderation training programs for all teachers.

This study aims to map the trends, integration forms, effectiveness, and contribution of ethnomathematics in elementary school mathematics learning toward national cultural preservation. A systematic literature review (SLR) approach following the PRISMA 2020 protocol was employed. Searches across four academic databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, CrossRef, and Semantic Scholar) yielded 1,176 articles, from which 30 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate that ethnomathematics research in elementary schools has increased significantly during 2023–2026, particularly following the implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka. The three most dominant forms of integration are digital modules and media (53.3%), traditional games (33.3%), and ethnomathematics-based worksheets (13.3%). Geometry and measurement is the most researched mathematics topic (50.0%), and conceptual understanding shows the most significant improvement (40.0%). Beyond improving mathematics achievement, ethnomathematics integration contributes to cultural preservation through cultural contextualization in learning (60.0%), strengthening cultural identity and values (26.7%), and active local cultural preservation (10.0%). The study recommends teacher training, curriculum policy strengthening, cross-sector collaboration, and further research to sustain ethnomathematics implementation in Indonesian elementary schools.

The era of globalization presents challenges of moral degradation among students, including intolerance, individualism, and declining nationalism. These issues make character strengthening through Civic Education (PKn) a national priority. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of PKn in shaping students’ character, particularly the values of religiosity, nationalism, independence, mutual cooperation, and integrity. The research employed a qualitative Library research design using secondary data from 18 scientific journals and 2 books published between 2021 and 2026. Data were collected through literature review and analyzed using content and thematic analysis to identify patterns of PKn implementation and its impact. The findings indicate that PKn effectively develops Good citizenship through character education based on Pancasila. Effective strategies include teacher role modeling, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and digital media such as infographics and gamification. These approaches were reported to improve empathy, national loyalty, and integrity among students. The Merdeka Curriculum further supports character development by emphasizing affective learning through authentic projects. Challenges arising from foreign cultural influences can be addressed through collaboration among schools, families, and communities. The study concludes that PKn plays a significant role in strengthening students’ character and supporting the realization of Golden Indonesia 2045 through sustainable character education.

The Merdeka Curriculum, as a new educational policy in Indonesia, emphasizes the cultivation of the Pancasila Student Profile, which is rich in citizenship values. This study aims to analyze the application of citizenship values in Pancasila and Civic Education (PPKn) learning within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum at the high school level. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, collecting data through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with PPKn teachers, and analysis of teaching modules and project-based learning documents (P5). The findings indicate that the application of citizenship values is primarily integrated through Project-Based Learning to Strengthen the Pancasila Student Profile (P5). Values such as mutual cooperation (gotong royong), critical reasoning (bernalar kritis), and global diversity (berkebinekaan global) are the most frequently emphasized. However, teachers face challenges, including the need to adapt pedagogical approaches, difficulties in assessing value-based outcomes authentically, and a lack of specific reference materials aligned with the new curriculum. The implication of this research is the urgent need for structured professional development for teachers and the development of comprehensive teaching guides to ensure the effective and standardized implementation of citizenship values in PPKn learning across all educational units.

This article examines the dialogue between John Calvin’s educational thought and the Merdeka Curriculum within the context of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative-comparative approach with descriptive analysis, this study traces the points of convergence and tension between Calvin’s educational principles particularly the concept of imago Dei, holistic education, and the God-centered purpose of education and the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum such as flexibility, differentiated learning, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). The analysis reveals significant convergence in terms of respect for the potential and uniqueness of learners, holistic educational orientation, and the role of teachers as facilitators and character formers. However, fundamental tensions also exist regarding Calvin’s theocentric theological foundation vis-à-vis the secular Pancasila foundation, the concept of discipline and authority versus student freedom, and the ultimate goal of education glorifying God versus forming the Pancasila Student Profile. Based on these findings, this article offers practical recommendations for PAK curriculum design based on the Merdeka Curriculum, a Kingdom of God-nuanced project-based learning approach, holistic assessment, and Christian character formation within the Profil Pelajar Pancasila framework. This research contributes to filling the gap in studies that dialogue the Reformed theological tradition with contemporary Indonesian national education policy.

This research aims to analyze how gender and culture are represented in the Grade VIII Indonesian language textbook of the Merdeka Curriculum. The focus is on various aspects of gender representation, such as the depiction of characters, their roles, activities, attributes, social status, gender equality, and stereotypes related to gender. Additionally, the study explores cultural representation, which encompasses cultural forms, diversity, local traditions, context, ways of presentation, and the cultural values expressed in the textbook's texts and illustrations. The methodology employed is descriptive qualitative research with a content analysis framework. Data were gathered through documenting and note-taking methods on the content of the textbook, followed by an analysis process that includes identification, classification, interpretation, and drawing conclusions. Findings indicate that the gender representation in the textbook predominantly portrays men as leading figures in public roles, leadership, and decision-making, whereas women are mainly shown in nurturing, domestic, and supportive capacities. On the other hand, the cultural representation illustrates the variety of Indonesian culture by showcasing regional customs, languages, art forms, traditional cuisine, practices, and societal norms. The study concludes that although the textbook presents cultural diversity adequately, there is a need for improvement in gender representation balance to better reflect equality values in the educational experience.

This study aimed to describe the management of Indonesian language learning based on Joyful Learning among eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Kalikotes in the 2025/2026 academic year. This study employed a qualitative approach with a single case study design. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, documentation studies, and open-ended questionnaires. The findings showed that the implementation of Joyful Learning had been conducted systematically through planning, implementation, and evaluation processes integrated with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum. Teachers applied varied learning methods, interactive activities, and learning media to create an active, communicative, and enjoyable learning atmosphere. Learning evaluation was carried out continuously by emphasizing students’ participation and learning processes. The implementation of Joyful Learning was supported by teacher competence, school support, and adequate facilities, although several obstacles such as differences in students’ characteristics, literacy abilities, and limited learning time were still encountered. Overall, Joyful Learning contributed positively to improving student engagement and the quality of Indonesian language learning.

Guru di sekolah dasar Tahfidz sering kali menghadapi tantangan besar dalam mengintegrasikan pengajaran Al-Qur’an dengan kemampuan pedagogik modern yang mendukung pembelajaran aktif. Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PKM) ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kompetensi pedagogik dan profesional para guru di SD Tahfidz Ibnu Umar Karawang melalui pelatihan metode pengajaran yang bermakna dan inovatif. Permasalahan utama yang ditemukan di mitra sasaran adalah keterbatasan guru dalam menerapkan pendekatan PAIKEM serta kesulitan dalam menyusun perangkat ajar yang adaptif terhadap prinsip Kurikulum Merdeka. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini adalah kombinasi ceramah interaktif, workshop penyusunan modul/RPP, dan praktik langsung melalui sesi microteaching. Pelatihan dilaksanakan dalam tiga sesi utama: (1) pemahaman karakteristik peserta didik usia 7–12 tahun berdasarkan aspek kognitif, sosial-emosional, dan psikomotorik; (2) desain pembelajaran bermakna (meaningful learning); serta (3) strategi pembelajaran aktif seperti Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Discovery Learning, dan pembelajaran kooperatif. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pemahaman 15 guru peserta dalam menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang berpusat pada siswa (student-centered) serta kemampuan mengintegrasikan teknologi pembelajaran modern (IPTEKS) seperti Canva dan media interaktif dalam proses KBM. Luaran dari program ini mencakup modul pelatihan pedagogik, publikasi artikel ilmiah, dan video diseminasi hasil implementasi metode pembelajaran.

Background: Digital transformation in arts education has introduced new paradigms in pedagogical tools, yet the specific role of artificial intelligence in fostering creativity within dance education remains under-explored. Objective: This study aims to analyze the contribution of AI Motion technology to enhancing the creative thinking skills of junior high school students in dance learning. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A total of 30 peer-reviewed articles published between 2023 and 2025 were selected from databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Garuda. Data were analyzed using the qualitative descriptive framework of Miles and Huberman. Results: The findings demonstrate that AI Motion technology significantly improves movement accuracy by up to 41% and fosters four key dimensions of creativity: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. The technology provides real-time feedback and visualization, enabling students to transition from passive imitation to autonomous movement exploration. Conclusion: The integration of AI Motion is strategically aligned with the Indonesian Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes differentiated learning and 21st-century skills. However, successful implementation is contingent upon overcoming challenges related to teacher digital competency and infrastructure accessibility. This study provides a conceptual framework for modernizing arts pedagogy through AI-assisted creative exploration.

Biology learning in Indonesia is still predominantly teacher-centered, limiting students’ opportunities to actively develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and other 21st-century competencies. Students often receive information passively, resulting in low engagement and limited ability to apply concepts in real-life contexts. Therefore, innovative learning models are needed to support more meaningful and student-centered learning. This study aims to review the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in Biology education and analyze its contribution to the development of students’ 21st-century skills. The study employed a literature review method by analyzing 20 research articles published between 2022 and 2026. Articles were obtained through Google Scholar searches and selected based on relevance to Biology education, focus on PjBL implementation, and open-access availability. Data collection involved identification, screening, selection, and documentation of related studies, while data analysis used a qualitative descriptive approach. The findings indicate that PjBL effectively improves students’ cognitive achievement, conceptual understanding, scientific literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills. In addition, PjBL enhances collaboration, communication, problem-solving abilities, learning motivation, and life skills through contextual and authentic project activities. Students become more actively involved in investigating real-world problems, designing solutions, and producing meaningful learning outputs. Furthermore, the integration of STEM approaches, digital media, blended learning, and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) strengthens the effectiveness of PjBL in Biology learning. Overall, PjBL is highly relevant for supporting the Merdeka Curriculum and improving the quality of Biology education in developing 21st-century competencies.

Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) is a new policy that aims to improve student’s soft skills and hard skills before entering the workforce. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions od Universitas Andalas students participating in MBKM on the development of soft skills. This research was conducted using qualitative research methods with grounded theory design. The sampling technique used purposive sampling and obtained 18 informants from 14 faculties at Universitas Andalas. Data were obtained through focus group discussions with informants who had signed an informed consent sheet. The results showed that the perceptions of students who participated in MBKM activities could develop student’s soft skills. Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka program has a positive impact on improving the ability of solve problems, critical thinking, communication, team work, creativity, time management, and leadership. Obstacles that students get when participating in MBKM activities and can hinder the development of soft skills include information discrepancies, difficulty converting credits, lack of socialization to students, unsynchronized technical guidelines, and limited use of language.

 Education in the 21st century demands a paradigm shift from passive learning to collaborative and student-centered learning, in line with the Merdeka Curriculum’s emphasis on the value of mutual cooperation. However, challenges arise due to the younger generation’s heavy reliance on technology, which tends to foster individualism. This study aims to examine the implementation of cooperative learning strategies as a solution to foster social interaction and student engagement. Cooperative learning strategies constitute a conceptual framework for a series of learning activities within heterogeneous small groups to achieve shared goals. Through a literature review, it was found that the implementation of these strategies involves systematic steps ranging from group formation, problem-solving discussions, to group recognition. The results of the analysis indicate that cooperative strategies have significant advantages in enhancing students’ self-confidence, independence, responsibility, and academic achievement. Although they have limitations regarding time management and the need for specific skills among educators, these strategies are considered highly relevant for fostering students’ character to be inclusive, tolerant, and capable of collaborating amidst differences.

This study is intended to reveal the content of the Pancasila Rahmatan Lil Alamin Student Profile in the Akidah Akhlak textbook for Islamic Junior High Schools based on the Merdeka Curriculum. Through a literature study approach, this research reveals the textbook combines theological, philosophical, and social practice aspects to internalize values ​​such as faith, critical thinking, and harmony in society. The results show that the Akidah Akhlak textbook successfully links spiritual intelligence with skills needed in the 21st century, thus producing students who are intelligent, spiritually strong, and responsible in society. This integration serves as a strong foundation for producing Indonesian students who reflect national identity and universal values ​​in Islam.