INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN INDONESIA: STRATEGIES, CHALLENGES, AND LESSONS LEARNED

Safuri Musa; Sri Nurhayati

doi:10.31764/paedagoria.v16i2.28969

INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN INDONESIA: STRATEGIES, CHALLENGES, AND LESSONS LEARNED

Safuri Musa, Sri Nurhayati

Abstract

Abstrak: Kurikulum Merdeka, inisiatif pendidikan transformatif di Indonesia, bertujuan untuk mengatasi kesenjangan pendidikan di wilayah perkotaan, pedesaan, dan 3T (tertinggal, terdepan, terluar). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidiki secara sistematis strategi yang digunakan dalam penerapan kurikulum Independen dan hasilnya di seluruh wilayah perkotaan, pedesaan, dan perbatasan. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif dan metode studi kasus, penelitian ini mengumpulkan data melalui observasi, studi dokumen dan wawancara dengan pendidik dan pemangku kepentingan dari berbagai latar belakang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa OJL adalah strategi paling efektif, meningkatkan kompetensi guru dan keterampilan mengajar praktis. Integrasi Teknologi meningkatkan keterlibatan siswa di perkotaan, tetapi terkendala infrastruktur di wilayah terpencil. Keterlibatan Komunitas memastikan relevansi kurikulum dan membangun kepercayaan lokal, terutama di wilayah 3T. Adaptasi Geografis mengatasi tantangan logistik dengan menyesuaikan kurikulum untuk kebutuhan regional, sedangkan Integrasi Kebijakan menyelaraskan prioritas nasional dengan implementasi lokal meskipun menghadapi kendala birokrasi. Temuan ini menekankan perlunya kombinasi solusi sistemik yang skalabel dengan adaptasi lokal untuk mencapai hasil pendidikan yang adil dan berkelanjutan. Kurikulum Merdeka menawarkan model reformasi pendidikan yang dapat direplikasi secara global, menunjukkan bagaimana strategi yang terfokus dapat mengurangi kesenjangan dan meningkatkan hasil pembelajaran.

Abstract: The Independent Curriculum, a transformative educational initiative in Indonesia, aims to address educational disparities across urban, rural, and frontier regions. This study aims to systematically investigate the strategies employed in the implementation of Independent curriculum and their outcomes across urban, rural, and frontiers regions. Using a qualitative approach and case study methods, the research collected data through observations, document analysis, and interviews with educators and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. The findings reveal that OJL is the most effective strategy, enhancing teacher competence and practical teaching skills. Technology Integration increased student engagement in urban areas but faced infrastructural limitations in remote regions. Community Engagement ensured curriculum relevance and built local trust, particularly in frontier areas. Geographic Adaptations addressed logistical challenges by tailoring the curriculum to regional needs, while Policy Integration aligned national priorities with local implementation despite bureaucratic obstacles. These findings highlight the need for a combination of scalable systemic solutions and localized adaptations to achieve equitable and sustainable educational outcomes. The Independent Curriculum offers a replicable model for global educational reform, demonstrating how targeted strategies can reduce disparities and improve learning outcomes.

Keywords

Independent Curriculum; educational reform; On-the-Job Learning; Technology Integration; community engagement

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31764/paedagoria.v16i2.28969