changing the curriculum design and implementation strategy more comprehensively. In the world of education, the curriculum has a strategic role as the heart of learning activities. The curriculum is the foundation for teaching and learning activities and is a tool to achieve educational goals. However, the curriculum is not static and must always adapt to the times. In Indonesia, the curriculum has undergone several changes, and one of the latest concepts being implemented is the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum. Merdeka Belajar Curriculum is a concept that aims to give students freedom in choosing the subjects they want to take. This concept aims to encourage students to be independent in learning and ready to compete in the global world. In its implementation, Merdeka Belajar Curriculum emphasizes more autonomous and flexible learning.
This research uses a type of literature study research (literature review) with the selected review model is a narrative review. The study conducted in the narrative review model is to compare data from several journals that have been analyzed and summarized based on the author’s experience, existing theories and models. The research method used is a qualitative research method with the data source used in the form of secondary data obtained from several journals, articles and previous research, and books that can be accessed on Google Scholar.
Merdeka Belajar Curriculum is not a concept that just appears out of nowhere, but rather an answer to the demands of the times and the increasingly diverse needs of students. Along with the development of technology and information, students are faced with wider access to knowledge and information. Therefore, the curriculum needs to be adjusted so that students can gain knowledge that is relevant and useful in their lives.
In addition, the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum also responds to the demand to produce a generation that not only has academic intelligence, but also emotional and social intelligence. A generation that is able to adapt to changes and is able to face challenges in this modern era. The implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum is based on several basic principles that direct curriculum design and implementation. The following are the principles that form the basis of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum:
- Freedom of Choice: Students are given the freedom to choose the subjects they want to take, according to their interests, talents, and goals.
- Autonomous Learning: Merdeka Belajar Curriculum encourages students to be independent in learning. Students are given full responsibility in organizing their time, learning methods, and achieving their learning goals.
- Flexibility: Merdeka Belajar Curriculum provides flexibility in the implementation of learning. Students can choose various types of learning, such as online, offline, or a combination of both.
- Relevance: Merdeka Belajar Curriculum emphasizes the relevance of learning to the needs of students and the world of work. The subjects taught are pursued in accordance with the times and the needs of society.
- Character Development: The Merdeka Belajar Curriculum does not only focus on academic aspects, but also on developing student character. Learning is carried out by paying attention to moral aspects, ethics, and life values.
- Implementation of Merdeka Belajar Curriculum
The implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum is carried out through several stages involving various parties, from the government, head of service, principal, teachers, to students and school committees. Each party has its own roles and responsibilities in designing and implementing this curriculum.
- The role of the Head of Service: Heads of service have an important role in formulating policies and implementing Merdeka Belajar Curriculum at the regional level. They are responsible for coordinating the implementation of the curriculum in schools in their area.
- The Role of the School Principal: Principals as professional leaders are tasked with translating changes in society and culture into the curricul