Transformasi Kurikulum Merdeka dalam Pendidikan Agama Islam: Analisis Peluang, Tantangan, dan Strategi Implementatif

Abstract

The changing landscape of global education in the 21st century demands an innovative, contextual, and character-oriented curriculum model. In Indonesia, the Merdeka Curriculum (Independent Curriculum) has emerged as a response to these challenges by emphasizing project-based learning, student-centered approaches, and the integration of spiritual and moral values. However, the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum within the context of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) presents a number of complex challenges, ranging from teacher preparedness, limited access to digital infrastructure, to the lack of clear guidelines for integrating Islamic values into project activities. This study aims to examine the relevance of the Merdeka Curriculum to the fundamental principles of Islamic education, analyze its implementation opportunities and obstacles, and formulate strategies to optimize its application in PAI learning. Using a descriptive qualitative approach based on literature review, the findings indicate that the success of Merdeka Curriculum implementation largely depends on continuous teacher training, infrastructure readiness, and the integration of Islamic values within instructional design. This study serves as a significant academic contribution toward the development of an adaptive and relevant religious curriculum amid the ongoing transformation of the national education System