Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka dalam Perspektif Manajemen Pendidikan Islam di SMA Negeri 2 Ranah Batahan

Abstract

The curriculum plays a vital role in educational institutions as it determines the direction, content, and processes of learning, ultimately influencing the type and quality of graduates. Within the education system, the curriculum serves as the main framework guiding the achievement of national education goals. This paper aims to understand the concept of Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) for students. The curriculum holds a crucial role in shaping the educational journey by defining its direction, content, and processes, which in turn impacts the type and quality of graduates produced. This study employs a literature review method with a qualitative approach. The findings reveal that the Merdeka Belajar concept restores the role of educational literacy to its intended purpose as a strategic moment in achieving national education objectives. Through Merdeka Belajar, students’ literacy in religious spirituality, self-control, personality, intelligence, moral character, and skills can be enhanced, ultimately contributing to the recovery and improvement of education quality in Indonesia. In other words, Merdeka Belajar provides space for students to grow holistically, in alignment with their individual potential and interests. The implementation of Merdeka Belajar is seen as an important effort to support the recovery and enhancement of educational quality in Indonesia, especially in addressing global challenges and local needs. This approach is expected to produce graduates who are not only intellectually capable but also strong in character and equipped with relevant life skills. Therefore, Merdeka Belajar is believed to be a solid foundation for realizing more inclusive and meaningful education.