Tantangan Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di Sekolah berbasis Pesantren

Abstract

This study explores the challenges in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in pesantren-based schools, focusing on teacher readiness, limited facilities, and the lack of technical support from the government. The Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexible, project-based, and technology-integrated learning, which often clashes with the traditional pesantren model that prioritizes memorization and classical Islamic texts. Using a qualitative case study approach at MA Nurul Jadid, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal that teachers’ understanding of the Merdeka Curriculum principles remains limited, leading to reliance on conventional teaching methods. Moreover, insufficient infrastructure—such as technological tools and interactive classrooms—hinders the effective implementation of project-based learning. The absence of comprehensive training and practical technical guidance from the government further complicates the transition. The study recommends enhancing teacher training, providing adequate educational facilities, and fostering collaboration between the government and educational institutions to ensure that the Merdeka Curriculum can be effectively implemented without compromising pesantren values.