Merdeka Curriculum Brings Meaningful and Joyful Learning to Early Childhood Education

The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum has now expanded to early childhood education centers (PAUD) across Indonesia. This curriculum introduces a transformative approach by emphasizing child-centered learning and hands-on experiences as the core of early education. According to Dr. Raudhatul Jannah, Director of Early Childhood Education at MoECRT, education for young children should nurture curiosity, empathy, and independence. “Under the Merdeka Curriculum, children learn through play, exploration, and direct interaction with their surroundings. They build their own understanding from real experiences,” she explained. Teachers are encouraged to design thematic learning projects aligned with local contexts. For instance, coastal schools may use the theme “Life by the Sea,” while rural areas focus on “Growing with Nature.” These themes help children relate learning to their environment in a natural and meaningful way. The government also provides continuous training for early childhood educators through platforms such as Guru Belajar dan Berbagi (Teachers Learn and Share) and Merdeka Mengajar (Freedom to Teach). Training materials cover authentic assessment, play-based lesson planning, and socio-emotional development strategies. With its flexible and holistic approach, the Merdeka Curriculum aims to create learning environments that are child-friendly, character-oriented, and responsive to the challenges of the future.