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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 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.

Punggelan State Junior High School 3, Banjarnegara, as one of the schools at the elementary education level, will empower its students through the use of the school environment for agricultural activities. Efforts to introduce agricultural activities are carried out through P5 (Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila / Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project) on the theme of sustainable lifestyles. The theoretical session was held in the hall of Punggelan State Junior High School 3. The practical session was held in the garden area of Punggelan State Junior High School 3. The participants were also assisted by three students from the Agroindustry Study Program at the Banjarnegara Polytechnic. The stages of the activity consisted of a theoretical session in the hall, practical sessions on making planting media, making organic fertilizer, making yellow traps, sowing mustard seeds, and maintaining the mustard plants. Participants who had completed the practical activities were given the responsibility of maintaining their plants until harvest. The participants came from several villages in Punggelan Subdistrict, including Danakerta, Klapa, Tribuana, and Sambong. These four villages are agricultural centers. Most of the residents in these areas have yards that are used for agricultural activities. The students already have basic agricultural skills for vegetable cultivation. The participants' background in agriculture-based areas will facilitate student empowerment activities in school management towards achieving adiwiyata status. The empowerment of students at Punggelan State Junior High School 3through training in organic fertilizer production showed an increase in participants' knowledge of science in the field of anaerobic technology in organic fertilizer production. Participants also acquired the skill of being able to make organic fertilizer from leaves or grass and livestock manure. Participants were able to apply organic fertilizer as a seedling medium and a medium for growing mustard greens.

This study was motivated by the important role of the school community in supporting the successful implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile as part of the Merdeka Curriculum. The purpose of this study was to analyze how principals, teachers, students, parents, and school committees contribute to the development of the six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile. The research used a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies conducted at a secondary school during the period from August to October 2025. The results showed that the development of all dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile was greatly influenced by the quality of collaboration within the school community. The principal plays a role in strengthening school policies and culture, teachers become facilitators in project-based learning, students take an active role as drivers of collaborative activities, while parents and committees provide moral support and program facilities. These findings imply that the success of strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile does not only depend on the curriculum structure, but also on the synergy of the school ecosystem that is created in a sustainable manner.

The idea of directly observing how character education plays a role in strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile project thru an analytical approach. The concrete form of these steps will be seen in the process of character formation for students based on the Pancasila Student Profile project at the elementary school level. This research aims to clearly understand thru an analytical approach: (1) The role of character education in strengthening the dimensions of the Pancasila student profile thru project-based learning at SD Negeri Bibisluhur 1 Surakarta, (2) The challenges faced by teachers in implementing character education in project-based learning to strengthen the Pancasila student profile at SD Negeri Bibisluhur 1 Surakarta, and (3) The opportunities that can be utilized to optimize character education in project-based learning to strengthen the Pancasila student profile at SD Negeri Bibisluhur 1 Surakarta. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study at the elementary school level. The research findings indicate that character education makes a significant contribution to developing students' attitudes and behaviors that reflect Pancasila values, such as mutual cooperation, justice, and respect for differences. Thru project-based learning activities, students are not only encouraged to understand these values but also to apply them in their daily lives. The conclusion of this research is that character education serves as a foundation supporting the successful implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile project, which in turn can strengthen national character development from an early age in the elementary school environment.

This study aims to analyze the integration of the Pancasila Student Profile (PSP) within Civics Education (PPKn) learning in elementary schools through a descriptive qualitative library research approach. The research draws on 15 national journal articles published between 2020 and 2025 that discuss strategies, challenges, and outcomes of implementing the PSP in learning practices. The findings show that PSP values—such as mutual cooperation, independence, critical thinking, creativity, and noble character—are primarily integrated through classroom activities, project-based learning, and habituation programs aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum. However, several challenges persist, including limited teacher understanding, inconsistent school support, inadequate learning media, and insufficient alignment between curriculum expectations and classroom practices. The analysis also reveals that effective implementation requires strong teacher leadership, contextual learning strategies, and sustained school commitment to character development. The study contributes theoretically by deepening understanding of value-based learning and practically by offering recommendations for teachers and schools to optimize character-based PPKn instruction. Overall, the integration of PSP values strengthens students’ character formation and supports the development of a holistic learning environment consistent with Pancasila principles.  

This study aims to analyze the role of teachers in strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) as an effort to develop the character of third-grade students at SDN Kestalan. Strengthening P5 is an essential component of the Merdeka Curriculum because it functions to shape students’ character holistically through six main dimensions. However, the implementation of P5 in elementary schools still faces several challenges, such as uneven teacher understanding, less structured planning, and diverse student characteristics. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with observation, interview, and documentation techniques to obtain in-depth data on teacher practices, integration strategies, obstacles, and the impact of P5 implementation. The results show that teachers have an adequate understanding of the P5 concept and strive to integrate it through interactive lectures, question-and-answer sessions, simple experiments, the habituation of the 5S culture, and creative projects that actively involve students. The obstacles encountered are generally related to discipline issues, emotional immaturity, limited facilities, and suboptimal parental involvement. However, these challenges can be reduced through personal approaches, positive motivation, support from school facilities, and collaboration with parents. The implementation of P5 has been proven to have a positive impact on students’ character development, especially in the aspects of politeness, cooperation, responsibility, and self-confidence. Therefore, the strategic role of teachers and the support of a conducive learning environment are key factors in the success of character strengthening through P5.         

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 impact of using learning media on the character development of Pancasila students in grade V of Manumuti Elementary School. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study. Data collection was conducted through observations that measured students' perceptions of the learning media and based on Pancasila student profile indicators. The qualitative approach allows researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied by examining in detail different cases within the problem being studied. Information was collected directly from the field through verbal expressions and observation of actions. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of learning media in grade V of Manumuti Elementary School varied and presented. Meanwhile, the character profile of Pancasila students in grade V showed positive development in the dimensions of mutual cooperation, independence, faith, devotion to God Almighty, and noble character. This study concludes that the use of planned and relevant learning media is an effective strategy in strengthening the character profile of Pancasila students.

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.

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 improve student discipline through the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile in first-grade students at SDI Betun Kota. The research background is based on the importance of discipline as the foundation for positive student behavior, which involves consciously, orderly, and responsible adherence to school rules and regulations. Disciplined students have a good understanding of appropriate behavior and are able to implement regular study habits. This study is a classroom action research (CAR) conducted in two cycles, with planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages in each cycle. The research subjects were 20 first-grade students, while the object of the study was improving student discipline. The research instruments included observation guidelines, documentation studies, and interview guidelines.The results showed that the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile significantly improved student discipline. In the first cycle, the average student discipline score reached 73.91, with a minimum discipline percentage of 84.56%, of which 55% had achieved the discipline indicator. In cycle II, the average score increased to 84.46, with a minimum discipline percentage of 94.54%. Ninety-five percent of students demonstrated excellent discipline, while 5% were in the good category. Thus, the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile has proven effective in improving the discipline of first-grade students at SDI Betun Kota.

The current education system is facing a crucial dilemma: the intensifying focus on cognitive achievement amidst the specific challenges faced by Generation Z. Junior high school students aged 12–15, who are digital natives, are at risk of reduced social interaction and mental health issues due to high screen time. Addressing this urgency, this study aims to describe the strategic role of dance arts education in shaping character and creativity, and to identify implementation solutions at SMP Negeri 1 Wonogiri. This descriptive qualitative study utilized 8 students active in dance as primary subjects, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that dance arts, through an embodied learning approach based on physical movement, is highly effective in cultivating character. Values such as discipline, which is transferred from the punctuality required in practice to general school life , collective responsibility , and self-confidence that overcomes social awkwardness, grew significantly. Furthermore, dance reinforces authentic cooperation and cultural appreciation. In terms of creativity, the activity encourages movement exploration, improvisation, and creative problem-solving. Psychologically, dance practice functions as a positive coping mechanism that effectively lowers adolescent stress levels. Although constraints exist, such as limited instructional time (80 minutes per week) , adaptive solutions like strengthening extracurricular activities and the peer tutoring system are being implemented. This research concludes that dance arts education is an essential and strategic medium for developing holistic competencies, including the 4Cs (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication) and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila.

This study aims to analyze the effect of strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile on the development of students' character in Social Science (IPS) subjects at Madrasah Aliyah Alkhairat Bolangitang Barat. Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile has become a key focus in the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes the development of values such as religiosity, mutual cooperation, creativity, independence, global diversity, and critical thinking in students. This research uses a quantitative approach with a survey method, distributing questionnaires to 57 students. Data analysis was performed using simple linear regression with the help of SPSS to determine the contribution of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening variable (X) to students' character development (Y). The results show the regression equation Ŷ = 53.782 + 0.586X, indicating that every 1% increase in variable X will raise variable Y by 0.586. The positive regression coefficient indicates a significant and positive relationship between the two variables. The R Square value of 0.533 suggests that 53.3% of the variation in students' character is explained by strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile, while 46.7% is influenced by other factors outside the study. Thus, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening program plays an important role in improving students' character in IPS learning.

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.

Prophetic leadership of madrasah principals represents a highly significant leadership phenomenon. Various cases of bullying, brawls, sexual violence, and promiscuity have become serious threats for students, raising deep concern among parents. The existence of madrasah tsanawiyah is considered highly relevant for instilling akhlaqul karimah in the present era. Many parents place great expectations on madrasah tsanawiyah to provide their children with beneficial knowledge and to nurture noble character, whether in their conduct toward fellow human beings, toward the natural environment, or toward Allah SWT. The aim of this research is to explore the prophetic leadership of madrasah principals in cultivating akhlaqul karimah. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach with a multi-site design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using single-case analysis and cross-case analysis. The validity of the data was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The findings reveal that: (1) The vision of prophetic leadership among madrasah principals in instilling akhlaqul karimah is to develop students with the characteristics of the Profil Pelajar Pancasila and as rahmatan lil-‘alamin, grounded in exemplary conduct and implemented through several programs, including habituation activities, value-based learning, Qur’anic memorization and literacy, Friday infaq, role modeling, and collaboration with parents/guardians. (2) The integrity of prophetic leadership is reflected in serving as a role model, adopting an empathetic approach, being honest and transparent in delivering information and policies, assuming responsibility for all assigned duties, and consistently monitoring the moral conduct of students.

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.  

The Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) aims to develop students who possess strong character and skills that are relevant to the demands of the times, particularly in facing global challenges and technological advancements. One of the implementations of P5 at SMK NU 1 Sukodadi is the Gelar Karya activity, which serves as a platform for students to showcase their creativity and apply the values of Pancasila in real life. The theme of this activity is "Build a Healthy Body, Mind, and Sustainable Lifestyle," aimed at raising awareness of the importance of physical and mental health, as well as adopting environmentally friendly practices that support sustainability. The method used in this activity is a project-based learning approach, where students are given the opportunity to learn through direct experience. This allows them to understand and apply the theories they have learned in real-world practices. Additionally, the activity emphasizes collaboration between students and teachers, creating a supportive learning environment and strengthening the relationship between learners and educators. By utilizing experiential learning, students are directly involved in the learning process, which facilitates a deeper understanding. The results of this community service project show that the Gelar Karya activity successfully increased students' awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles and sustainable environmental management. Students not only gained theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that they can apply in their daily lives. Furthermore, the activity strengthened students' character and supported the values of the Pancasila Student Profile. These findings can serve as a model for other schools to optimize the sustainable implementation of P5, providing a positive impact on shaping students' character and skills for a better future.

The Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) is part of the implementation of the Independent Curriculum, which emphasizes the holistic development of student character. The program's primary objective is to develop students with noble character, global diversity, collaborative spirit, independence, critical thinking, and creativity. One approach to integrating these values is through an appreciation of literary works, particularly folktales. Folktales have great potential as educational media because they contain various life values derived from local wisdom. This research focuses on analyzing the life values contained in folktales from the Semarang region and assessing their relevance in supporting the implementation of P5. Amidst the decline in moral values among students, marked by rampant cases of brawls, drug abuse, bullying, and unethical behavior, utilizing folktales as teaching materials is an alternative solution that is contextual and culturally based. Unfortunately, many local folktales remain largely unknown and underutilized in the learning process. The research method used was a qualitative approach with data analysis techniques modeled after Miles and Huberman. The results of the study indicate seven main values contained in Semarang folklore: aesthetic, religious, social, moral, cultural, educational, and economic. These values not only reflect the social conditions of society in the past but also have strong relevance for shaping the character of today's students. Despite differences in the context of the times, folklore can still be used as an effective learning medium, especially when packaged in a more engaging and modern format, such as digital storytelling, animation, or other interactive media. Therefore, the inclusion of folklore in P5 can bridge the gap between cultural heritage and sustainable character education.

Character education in Indonesia is faced with various problems based on education only as a knowledge transfer activity, to overcome this, the Ministry of Education and Culture issued an independent curriculum to solve the problem. The purpose of this study is how the method applied by MI Sunan Kalijogo in habituating character education based on the Pancasila student profile. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative, the data from this study were obtained from interviews, observation, documentation, and literature research which are then called primary and secondary data. Character education based on Pancasila learner profile applied by MI Sunan Kalijogo is congregational prayer activities, religious studies, and MTQ. The implication of this research is a form of strengthening P5 and reconstructing character education patterns for schools at the elementary school level that use an independent curriculum.