Merdeka Curriculum: The Revival of Post-war Indonesian Educational Thought

Abstract

The Merdeka Curriculum, introduced in 2022, was developed to address the learning loss experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve upon the previous curriculum, which failed to significantly enhance Indonesian students' educational achievements. Officially adopted as the National Curriculum in 2024, it draws inspiration from educational figures like Ki Hajar Dewantara, particularly his concept of Manusia Merdeka (independent individuals) used in post-war Indonesian education. This research examines how post-war Indonesian educational thought has been contextualized and integrated into the Merdeka Curriculum, enriching its philosophical foundation and spirit. The findings suggest that the Merdeka Curriculum effectively revitalizes post-war educational philosophies, impacting educational theory, culture, teacher roles, and student competencies, while also incorporating contemporary developments. However, differences between the Merdeka Curriculum and post-war educational thought exist, particularly in the areas of spirituality and the educational environment. Further study in these areas could strengthen the curriculum's foundation and help achieve national educational goals. A significant challenge moving forward is the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum across various educational institutions. Ensuring sustainable and consistent application of this policy amidst potential political changes in Indonesia remains a critical concern. The success of the Merdeka Curriculum will depend on its ability to adapt and be maintained within the evolving political landscape.



Author Information
Muhammad Ryzki Wiryawan, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia
Diding Nurdin, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia

Paper Information
Conference: ACSS2024
Stream: Education and Social Welfare

This paper is part of the ACSS2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Wiryawan M., & Nurdin D. (2024) Merdeka Curriculum: The Revival of Post-war Indonesian Educational Thought ISSN: 2186-2303 – The Asian Conference on the Social Sciences 2024: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 339-350) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-2303.2024.29
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-2303.2024.29


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Posted by James Alexander Gordon