Improving the Quality of Education in Indonesia – Merdeka Learning as we know it was initiated by the Minister of Education, Nadiem Makarim. The Head of the Education Standards, Curriculum and Assessment Body (BSKAP) of the Ministry of Education and Culture-Ristek, Anindito Aditomo, explained that the Free Learning Curriculum will be applied nationally in 2024 or in the 2024/2025 Guidance Year. Therefore, starting from the next school year, every school is required to apply the Free Learning Curriculum. So, why should Free Learning?

Merdeka Learning is an educational idea that gives freedom and responsibility to students in determining learning steps that suit their interests, talents and needs. This idea aims to increase the creation, development and independence of students, and improve the quality of education in Indonesia.

With the Free Learning Curriculum, it is hoped that students can be active in the teaching-learning process, so that they can reach their optimal strength. In addition, this idea introduces cross-subject evaluation and improves life skills related to the world of work and everyday life.

In this way, it is hoped that the implications of the Free Learning Curriculum will improve the quality of education in Indonesia and produce alumni who have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that meet the demands of the times.

The meaning of independence itself comes from the Sanskrit Mahardhikeka which means rich, prosperous and strong. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), the meaning of independence is to be free. Free which is meant to stand alone, not attacked or released from demands, not entangled, and not dependent on certain parties.

According to KBBI

And according to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), learning is trying to gain intelligence or knowledge, practice, different behaviors or responses caused by experience.

So “Freedom to Learn” can be summed up as freedom in acquiring knowledge and skills. This idea gives freedom and responsibility to students in determining learning steps that suit their interests, talents, and needs.

Not long after, the world of education will experience an evolution with the application of the idea of ​​”Freedom to Learn”. This idea has become well known and is often discussed in educational settings.

The Merdeka Learning Idea has the goal of increasing the creation, development, and independent power of students, and improving the quality of education in Indonesia. By giving freedom to students in determining learning steps, it is hoped that they can be active and participate in the evaluation process until they reach their optimal strength. Improving the Quality of Education in Indonesia,

Independent Learning Implementation introduces cross-subject evaluation and improvement of life skills related to the world of work and everyday life. That way, students will have the skills and knowledge according to the demands of the times. It is hoped that the Independent Learning idea can improve the quality of education and produce alumni who are ready to face challenges in the future.

The joy of Freedom of Learning is hoped to bring a positive impact for some of our children in gaining knowledge and skills. However, it is not only the children who need to adapt to the idea of ​​the Free Learning Curriculum, but also the teachers as the spearheads of the evaluation process.

Some teachers need to adapt to the Free Learning Curriculum and understand its ideas and principles. Initially, they taught using the 2013 Curriculum with a certain system, but now they have to move and apply the Independent Learning idea in evaluation.

With the Free Learning Curriculum, teachers must be able to help students determine the direction of learning and provide facilities for students to find the most efficient learning method for them. Apart from that, teachers must also be able to improve learning across subjects and life skills related to the world of work and everyday life.

In this regard, training and professional development for teachers is important to help them deal with the transition. Thus, it is hoped that the teacher can become a facilitator and motivator in creating a safe learning environment and motivating students to achieve their optimal strength.

Said Ki Bantai Dewantara. The root of independence is self-study, namely freedom of thought that is intended for students and teachers, so that it creates the character of an independent spirit. Because, students and teachers can explore knowledge from their environment.

In my opinion, if an independent curriculum is planned for the development of this nation, why not? I believe that this independent curriculum has gone through various types of research and research involving several experts or educational experts, perhaps even involving experts from other sectors.