In recent years, there has been a growing trend among schools to adopt an independent curriculum, which allows them more flexibility in designing their education programs. This year, that trend has gone into overdrive, as over 140,000 schools across the nation have embraced this approach. ANTARA News offers a report that explores what has led to this shift, and what it means for the future of education in the country.
More than 140,000 schools in Indonesia have implemented the Independent Curriculum in the 2022-2023 academic year. The Independent Curriculum program is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, and aims to improve the quality of education, character, and competency of Indonesian students.
Anindito Aditomo, Head of the ministry’s Educational Standard, Curriculum, and Assessment Agency (BSKAP), said that the curriculum provides flexibility for educational units to design learning activities that involve the participation of teachers and students. It also gives teachers the opportunity to design quality learning activities tailored to the needs of students and their specific education situation.
Before implementing the Independent Curriculum, Aditomo urged educational units and teachers to study the curriculum, access the Merdeka Mengajar platform, and complete the training modules. He emphasized the importance of using this opportunity to improve the quality of learning as the main purpose.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has opened registrations for educational units that want to implement the Independent Curriculum in the 2023-2024 academic year, starting from February 6, 2023, until March 31.
One of the elementary schools to have implemented the Independent Curriculum is the Kemala Bhayangkari 01 Elementary School in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Baharudin, the school principal, stated that the Independent Curriculum provides space for students to focus on essential learning materials and competency development according to their phase of education. He also pointed out that children enjoyed the implementation of the Independent Curriculum, as they can learn deeply and meaningfully in a comfortable and happy environment.
Overall, the implementation of the Independent Curriculum highlights the emphasis on holistic education in Indonesia. By providing flexibility in designing learning frameworks, educators can create an environment that is best suited for their students’ specific needs, improving the quality of education and enhancing students’ competence and character development.
