Strategies and Challenges of Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Senior High Schools
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v5i1.15061Keywords:
Merdeka Curriculum, Senior High School, Strategies, ChallengesAbstract
The Merdeka Curriculum aims to promote differentiated learning practices in line with the diverse backgrounds of students in Indonesia. However, its implementation at the secondary school level still faces various challenges. This study aims to analyze the strategies and barriers encountered in the implementation of this curriculum. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with curriculum managers, supported by direct observation in the learning environment. Data analysis was conducted thematically, following the procedures of Braun and Clarke. The results revealed three main findings: the limited competencies of teachers in applying differentiated learning principles, disparities in access to digital learning resources, and low student involvement in the design of learning activities, which collectively hinder the effectiveness of the curriculum. These findings indicate that national curriculum reform cannot solely rely on policy design but requires strengthening context-based capacities at the educational unit level to realize the full potential of curriculum transformation effectively.
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Miftahurrahmi, M., & Nari, N. (2022). Development of Inquiry-Based E-Poster Media on Natural Science Learning Digestive System Material in Elementary Schools. Journal of Islamic Education Students (JIES), 2(2), 76–90. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v2i2.5609
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Nafisah, A. D., Pranoto, Y. K. S., & Nuzulia, S. (2023). The Impact of Father Involvement in the Early Childhood Problematic Behavior. JPUD - Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 17(1), 14–30. https://doi.org/10.21009/JPUD.171.02
Oktavia, F. T. A., Maharani, D., & Qudsiyah, K. (2023). Problematika Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar Pada Pembelajaran Matematika Di Smk Negeri 2 Pacitan. Jurnal Edumatic : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.21137/edumatic.v4i1.685
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Putri, S. A., Irawati, I., & Setyaningsih, R. (2024). The Impact of Excellent Administrative Services on Student Satisfaction at State Islamic Senior High Schools. Journal of Islamic Education Students, 4(2), 284–293. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v4i2.13028
Rahmasari, B. S., Chasanatun, T. W., Azzahra, S. N., & Septiyani, D. C. (2022). Workshop Pelatihan Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris Kepada Guru TK Dan Pembuatan Video Pembelajaran Dengan Menggunakan Aplikasi Canva. ABDIMAS EKODIKSOSIORA: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Ekonomi, Pendidikan, Dan Sosial Humaniora, 2(2), 76–83. https://doi.org/10.37859/abdimasekodiksosiora.v2i2.3971
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Sundari, E. (2024). Learning Transformation in the Digital Age: Integrating Technology in Modern Education. Cendekia Pendidikan, 4(5). https://doi.org/10.9644/sindoro.v4i5.3325
Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All learners. ASCD.
Wantiana, I., & Mellisa, M. (2023). Kendala Guru dalam Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Basicedu, 7(3), 1461–1465. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i3.5149
Warmansyah, J., Yuningsih, R., Sari, M., Halif, A., Solin, S. S., & Sari, R. N. (2023). Pelatihan Pembuatan Google Edu Untuk Penilaian Kurikulum Merdeka di Satuan PAUD Kabupaten Tanah Datar. Kreasi: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 3(2), 10–20. https://doi.org/10.51529/kjpm.v3i2.440
Warmansyah, J., Yuningsih, R., Sari, M., Urrahmah, N., Data, M. R., & Idris, T. (2022). Implementation of the Minangkabau Culture Curriculum at Kindergarten. Aulad: Journal on Early Childhood, 5(2), 228–234. https://doi.org/10.31004/aulad.v5i2.376
Bisma, N., Desmita, D., Kharisma Diyenti, A., Adha Karim, N., Zalzabila, Z., Yulia, N., Warmansyah, J., & Sulong, K. (2023). The Influence of Audio Stories on Enhancing Digital Literacy In Early Childhood: A Survey Study. Indonesian Journal of Early Childhood Educational Research (IJECER), 2(2), 57. https://doi.org/10.31958/ijecer.v2i2.11526
Dzata Rahmah, H., Ummah, L., Siti aulia fauzia, Rahmadani, S., & Hasanah, L. (2022). Studi Literatur Perbandingan Pembelajaran Pancasila dalam Kurikulum 2013 dan Kurikulum Merdeka di PAUD. Jurnal Pelita PAUD, 7(1), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.33222/pelitapaud.v7i1.2516
Fatimah, F., Hayadi, B. H., Yusuf, F. A., Masubaitillah, M., & Nurwaningsih, I. (2024). Menghadapi Tantangan Perubahan Dalam Sistem Pendidikan Indonesia Dalam Pendekatan Strategis Dan Alat Intervensi Yang Efektif. Technical and Vocational Education International Journal (TAVEIJ), 4(1), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.55642/taveij.v4i1.647
Hasibuan, R., Fitri, R., Maureen, I. Y., & Pratiwi, A. P. (2022). Penyusunan Kurikulum Operasional Pada Satuan Paud Berbasis Kurikulum Merdeka. Transformasi Dan Inovasi : Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 2(2), 87–92. https://doi.org/10.26740/jpm.v2n2.p87-92
Hendriani, S., Rahmawati, R., Deswita, D., & Khairina, K. (2022). Female Teacher Workload, Problem, and Social Competence: A Study on Secondary School Teachers. Ta’dib, 25(1), 11–17.
Hidayat, Y., & Nurlatifah, L. (2023). Analisis Komparasi Tingkat Pencapaian Perkembangan Anak Usia Dini (Stppa) Berdasarkan Permendikbud No. 137 Tahun 2014 Dengan Permendikbudristek No. 5 Tahun 2022. Jurnal Intisabi, vol 1(1), 29–40. https://doi.org/10.61580/itsb.v1i1.4
Idhartono, A. R. (2022). Literasi Digital Pada Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar Bagi Anak. Devosi : Jurnal Teknologi Pembelajaran, 12(2), 91–96. https://doi.org/10.36456/devosi.v6i1.6150
Kumalasari, B., & Idawati, L. (2023). Evaluasi Program Pendidikan Karakter di SD Athalia dengan Model CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product). Jurnal Akuntabilitas Manajemen Pendidikan, 11(2), 61–73. https://doi.org/10.21831/jamp.v11i2.65007
Kurniawati, H., & Husnayain Madani, I. (2024). Implementation of Learning Methods Based on Natural Materials and Science for Group B Kindergarten. Journal of Islamic Education Students (JIES), 4(1), 130. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v4i1.12310
Maskur, M. (2023). The Impact of Changing The Education Curriculum on Elementary School Students. Jurnal Keguruan Dan Ilmu Pendidikan (JKIP), 1(3), 190–203. https://doi.org/10.61116/jkip.v1i3.172
Miftahurrahmi, M., & Nari, N. (2022). Development of Inquiry-Based E-Poster Media on Natural Science Learning Digestive System Material in Elementary Schools. Journal of Islamic Education Students (JIES), 2(2), 76–90. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v2i2.5609
Motimona, P. D., & Maryatun, I. B. (2023). Implementasi Metode Pembelajaran STEAM pada Kurikulum Merdeka pada PAUD. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(6), 6493–6504. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i6.4682
Muhammad, A.-, Khairuunisa, K., Araminta, N.-, & Lubis, H. Z. (2023). Enhancing Early Childhood Artistic Skills Through Angklung at Kindergarten. Journal of Islamic Education Students (JIES), 3(2), 184. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v3i2.11574
Nafisah, A. D., Pranoto, Y. K. S., & Nuzulia, S. (2023). The Impact of Father Involvement in the Early Childhood Problematic Behavior. JPUD - Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 17(1), 14–30. https://doi.org/10.21009/JPUD.171.02
Oktavia, F. T. A., Maharani, D., & Qudsiyah, K. (2023). Problematika Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar Pada Pembelajaran Matematika Di Smk Negeri 2 Pacitan. Jurnal Edumatic : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.21137/edumatic.v4i1.685
Pare, A., & Sihotang, H. (2023). Pendidikan Holistik untuk Mengembangkan Keterampilan Abad 21 dalam Menghadapi Tantangan Era Digital. Jurnal Pendidikan Tambusai, 7(3), 27778–27787. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31004/jptam.v7i3.11268
Prima, A., Reynaldy, A. Z. K., Nurwanaliyanti, N., Setyani, V., Pratiwi, N. A., & Kurniawan, M. Y. N. (2023). Analisis Pemahaman Guru Bahasa Inggris Terhadap Silabus dalam Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka. JURNAL ILMU PENDIDIKAN & SOSIAL (SINOVA), 1(3), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.71382/sinova.v1i3.124
Putri, K. E. S., Wahyuni, M. R., Hasibuan, W. F., & Mustika, D. (2024). Building Collaboration and Partnership in Supporting the Success of Inclusive Education. Warehouse Journal Multidisciplinary Science, 2(6). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.59435/gjmi.v2i6.510
Putri, R. N., Efandi, S., Khairunisa, D., & ... (2023). Melacak Keberhasilan dan Tantangan dalam Mencapai Flow Akademik: Sebuah Tinjauan Komprehensif. Behavioral Science Journal, 1(2), 10–18. https://jurnal.syedzasaintika.ac.id/index.php/06/article/view/2198%0Ahttps://jurnal.syedzasaintika.ac.id/index.php/06/article/view/2198/1507
Putri, S. A., Irawati, I., & Setyaningsih, R. (2024). The Impact of Excellent Administrative Services on Student Satisfaction at State Islamic Senior High Schools. Journal of Islamic Education Students, 4(2), 284–293. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v4i2.13028
Rahmasari, B. S., Chasanatun, T. W., Azzahra, S. N., & Septiyani, D. C. (2022). Workshop Pelatihan Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris Kepada Guru TK Dan Pembuatan Video Pembelajaran Dengan Menggunakan Aplikasi Canva. ABDIMAS EKODIKSOSIORA: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Ekonomi, Pendidikan, Dan Sosial Humaniora, 2(2), 76–83. https://doi.org/10.37859/abdimasekodiksosiora.v2i2.3971
Ridwanulloh, M. U., Wulandari, A. F., Fitriana, T. N., Muhammad, A., Yusal, Y., & Lestari, F. (2024). The Transition from Implementing the K-13 Curriculum to the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum in Elementary Schools. Journal of Islamic Education Students (JIES), 4(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v4i1.11887
Rohmah, A., & Zulfitria, Z. (2024). Strategi Pembelajaran Diferensiasi Berbasis Aktivitas Dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Siswa SD. Journal of Instructional and Development Researches, 4(4), 214–222. https://doi.org/10.53621/jider.v4i4.330
Rosadi, H. Y., & Andriyani, D. F. (2020). Tantangan Menjadi Guru BK dengan Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar di Masa Pandemi Covid-19. Prosiding Konferensi Ilmiah Mahasiswa Unissula (KIMU) 4, 356–363.
Saleha, L., Baharun, H., & Utami, W. T. (2022). Implementation of Digital Literacy in Indonesia Early Childhood Education. Indonesian Journal of Early Childhood Educational Research, 1(1), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.31958/ijecer.v1i1.5834
Sundari, E. (2024). Learning Transformation in the Digital Age: Integrating Technology in Modern Education. Cendekia Pendidikan, 4(5). https://doi.org/10.9644/sindoro.v4i5.3325
Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All learners. ASCD.
Wantiana, I., & Mellisa, M. (2023). Kendala Guru dalam Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Basicedu, 7(3), 1461–1465. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i3.5149
Warmansyah, J., Yuningsih, R., Sari, M., Halif, A., Solin, S. S., & Sari, R. N. (2023). Pelatihan Pembuatan Google Edu Untuk Penilaian Kurikulum Merdeka di Satuan PAUD Kabupaten Tanah Datar. Kreasi: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 3(2), 10–20. https://doi.org/10.51529/kjpm.v3i2.440
Warmansyah, J., Yuningsih, R., Sari, M., Urrahmah, N., Data, M. R., & Idris, T. (2022). Implementation of the Minangkabau Culture Curriculum at Kindergarten. Aulad: Journal on Early Childhood, 5(2), 228–234. https://doi.org/10.31004/aulad.v5i2.376
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2025-05-30
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Setyaningsih, R., Mulyani, S., Irawati, I., Kuswanti, A., & Ismaeil, N. (2025). Strategies and Challenges of Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Senior High Schools. Journal of Islamic Education Students (JIES), 5(1), 188–198. https://doi.org/10.31958/jies.v5i1.15061
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