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.