REVITALIZATION OF CHARACTER EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF FLEXIBLE INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM REVISION: ANALYSIS OF LEARNING OUTCOMES AND CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING PAI

Abstract

The Merdeka Curriculum, introduced as a strategic response to the challenges of learning loss and the demands of 21st-century competencies, emphasizes curriculum flexibility and the development of the Pancasila Student Profile. Islamic Religious Education subjects play a fundamental role in realizing this character-building agenda. This study aims to analyze in depth the conceptual framework of the revised Merdeka Curriculum, particularly Learning Outcomes, and to synthesize empirical challenges and best practices in its implementation at various levels of education in Indonesia (2022–2025). The method used is descriptive qualitative through Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and content analysis of formal policy documents (Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and Ministry of Religious Affairs) as well as scientific journals on the implementation of PAI in the Merdeka Curriculum. The results of the study show that the Revised Independent Curriculum, through CP PAI structured in five scientific elements, has shifted the focus to applied ethics and religious moderation. These implementation efforts are reinforced by initiatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), such as the Love-Based Curriculum, which explicitly outlines human values within the framework of Islamic teachings. However, the main challenges that hinder the effectiveness of the Merdeka curriculum include: low pedagogical readiness and information and communication technology (ICT) competence among PAI teachers, difficulties in designing holistic authentic assessments, and classroom management issues related to diversity in motivation.