Asep Rosidin, Sudirman Sudirman, Mohamad Irfan Mufti, Susatyo Adhi Pramono, Lela Susanty, Achmad Dudin, Ernawati, Ardian Arifin
Aim. This study examines the implementation of Indonesia’s Merdeka Belajar curriculum in higher education, focusing on analysing educational policy and curriculum related to this initiative. The research aims to understand how the curriculum empowers students to choose their learning paths and address challenges related to disparities in resources and facilities across institutions. Methods. Conducted through a systematic review, this research comprehensively reviewed literature from databases such as CINAHL, Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Specific keywords like “educational policy,” “Merdeka Belajar,” “students,” and “higher education” were used to identify relevant articles. The study analysed 20 articles to gain insights into the educational policy and curriculum aspects of Merdeka Belajar in higher education. Results. The findings underscore the importance of customising education policies to recognise students’ rights and empower them to explore their potential through the Merdeka Belajar curriculum. While the curriculum aims to enable students to choose their learning paths, challenges such as disparities in resources and facilities exist across institutions. It emphasises the need for thorough implementation reviews and adequate resources to promote equity and prevent disparities. Conclusion. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insight into the implementation of the Indonesian Independent Learning curriculum in higher education. Its originality lies in its focus on the analysis of education policy and curriculum aspects related to this initiative, especially in addressing challenges such as resource and facility gaps. © 2025, Pro Scientia Publica Foundation. All rights reserved.
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Jawa Barat, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia; Makassar State University, PGSD Education Faculty, South Sulawesi, Jalan. Tamalate I Tidung Makassar, Makassar, 90222, Indonesia; Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tadulako University, Bumi Tadulako Tondo Palu – Central Sulawesi Campus, 94118, Indonesia; Universitas wijaya Kusuma Purwokerto, Jl. Raya Beji Karangsalam No.25Kec. Kedungbanteng Kab. Banyumas Jawa Tengah, 53152, Indonesia; STBA Yapari Bandung, Jl. Cihampelas No.194, Cipaganti, Coblong, Jawa Barat, Kota Bandung, 40131, Indonesia; Center for Educational Research, National Research and Innovation Agency Gedung Widya Graha, Jl. Gatot Subroto No.10 6th & 9th Floor, RT.6/RW.1, Kuningan Barat., Mampang Perapatan, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, 12710, Indonesia; Research and Evaluation Education Program, Postgraduate School of Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof.DR.HAMKA, Jl. Warung Buncit Raya No. 17 A Pancoran, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia; Universitas PGRI Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat Indonesia, Jl. Ampera, Sungai Jawi, Kec. Pontianak Kota, Kalimantan Barat, Kota Pontianak, 78114, Indonesia
