Curriculum Innovation for 21st Century Learning: Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Primary and Islamic Elementary Schools in Palangka Raya

• Setria Utama Rizal

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Rudi Susilana

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Asep Herry Hernawan

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

This study explores the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum as an educational innovation aimed at developing 21st-century learning competencies in primary and Islamic elementary schools in Palangka Raya, Indonesia. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through classroom observation, teacher interviews, and document analysis in selected schools implementing the Merdeka Curriculum. The findings reveal that both the Kurikulum Operasional Satuan Pendidikan (KOSP) and Kurikulum Operasional Madrasah (KOM) were systematically designed and endorsed through participatory processes involving school leaders, teachers, and local education authorities. The Merdeka Curriculum promotes flexible, student-centered, and contextualized learning experiences, integrating local wisdom, project-based learning, and character development through the P5 and P5PPRA projects. Despite these innovations, challenges remain in teachers’ pedagogical readiness, digital competence, and assessment literacy. The study concludes that curriculum innovation for 21st-century learning requires continuous professional development, collaboration among educators, and institutional support to strengthen adaptive and innovative teaching practices in diverse learning environments.

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