Jakarta, 24 June โ The "Merdeka Belajar" (Free Learning) education reform program, which is the legacy of the previous Indonesian Minister of Education, is now beginning to show measurable positive effects. A comprehensive assessment conducted by Kemendikbudristek shows that students in the Merdeka Belajar system are significantly more skilled in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and teamwork compared to students in the old curriculum system.
The core philosophy of Merdeka Belajar is to free teachers and students from the pressure of rote learning and fact-oriented exams, which were characteristic of the old education system. Instead, this new curriculum gives teachers greater autonomy to design teaching methods relevant to local contexts and student needs, while students are encouraged to learn through projects, experiments, and active research.
One of the most innovative components is the "Kampus Merdeka" program for university students, which allows them to spend up to two semesters engaging in real-world work outside the campus โ from internships at companies, to teaching in rural schools, to participating in community development projects. This hands-on experience provides students with practical skills that cannot be obtained solely from within a classroom.
Teachers also benefit from a more structured and continuous professional development program. The Guru Penggerak digital platform connects innovative teachers from across Indonesia to share best teaching methods, provide mutual support and guidance, and jointly develop creative and effective teaching materials.
However, this reform is not without challenges. Some teachers trained in the old system face difficulties in adapting to the new approach, which requires more creativity and flexibility. Educational infrastructure in rural and remote areas still lags far behind schools in major cities.
Educators involved in implementing the program emphasize that changing the education culture takes time and patience, but they are optimistic that the generation being shaped through Merdeka Belajar will be the most innovative and competitive generation in the history of the country.