Merdeka Curriculum Management in Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the management of the Merdeka Curriculum in strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile at H Moenadi State Vocational School. Employing a qualitative approach with a case study design, the research involved key stakeholders, including the principal, vice principal for curriculum, teachers, students, and parents. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observations, and document analysis, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum has been carried out relatively well across the stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation. Teachers generally understand the curriculum as a flexible and student-centered framework and have integrated project-based learning through the Project for Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) to foster students’ character and 21st-century skills. The results also reveal positive impacts on students’ cooperation, independence, creativity, critical reasoning, and self-confidence. However, challenges remain in the form of variations in teacher readiness, administrative workload, limited instructional time, and inconsistent reflective documentation. The study concludes that effective curriculum management, supported by continuous professional development, structured collaboration, and systematic evaluation, is essential to ensure the sustainability and quality of Merdeka Curriculum implementation in vocational education.
References
Aisyah, A. S., Ni’mah, D. F., Setiyorini, E., & Risdiana, Y. E. (2023). Analisis Penerapan {Kurikulum Merdeka} Di {SMK} Modern {Ngawi}. Indonesian Jurnal Of Education and Learning Mathematics (IJELM), 4(01), 26–28.
Alwanda, M. A., & Saputra, R. (2025). An analysis of educational philosophy and the values of the Pancasila student profile as the foundation of the kurikulum merdeka. Action Research Journal Indonesia (ARJI), 7(4), 3121-3141. https://doi.org/10.61227/arji.v7i4.610
Budiyanti, M., Mujiyanto, M., & Darma, W. (2023). Kemampuan Guru Pendidikan Agama Buddha Dalam Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka Di SMK. Jurnal Muara Pendidikan, 8(2), 354–362. https://doi.org/10.52060/mp.v8i2.1310
Chamisijatin, L., Permana, F. H., Zaenab, S., Hidayat, S., & Aini, N. (2022). Pelaksanaan Penguatan Pendidikan Karakter dengan Penerapan Literasi dalam Pembelajaran sebagai Upaya Inovasi Pembelajaran dalam {Merdeka Belajar} pada Pandemi {COVID-19}. Lumbung Inovasi: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 7(2), 216–231. https://doi.org/10.36312/linov.v7i2.702
Chaniago, S., Hazar, I. I., & Mahwaty, L. (2025). Transforming Education Policy: From National Assessment to National Exam and Its Impact on Learning Quality in Indonesia. JPG (Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi), 12(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.20527/jpg.v12i1.21882
Damayanti, A. M., Ilmiyah, M., & Maulida, R. D. (2024). Implementasi Nilai-Nilai {Pancasila} dalam Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} ({P5}) di {SMK} Negeri 1 {Pasuruan}. Media Penelitian Pendidikan: Jurnal Penelitian Dalam Bidang Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 18(2), 268–274. https://doi.org/10.26877/mpp.v18i2.21332
Damayanti, F., Vivien, H., Situmorang, M., Trianung, T., Management, E., & Vivien Management, H. (2023). The problem of education in Indonesia is the independent curriculum the solution. Scholar : Educational Scientific Journal Media, 13(5), 917–924. https://www.iocscience.org/ejournal/index.php/Cendikia/article/view/3765
Dian, D., Ahmad, C. F., Arsal, F. R., & Mahmudah, S. (2023). Implication And Application MBKM’s Curriculum In Education (Madrasah And Universities). At-Ta’dib, 18(1), 106–122. https://doi.org/10.21111/attadib.v18i1.9910
Erawan, R. D. T., Trianugrahwati, D., Ardiana, L., Rostini, D., & Mastiani, E. (2024). Manajemen {Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar} dalam meningkatkan mutu pembelajaran ekonomi di {SMA} Negeri 1 {Purwakarta}. Edusaintek: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sains Dan Teknologi, 11(2), 873–887. https://doi.org/10.47668/edusaintek.v11i2.1180
Fatrah, R., & Pandiangan, A. P. B. (2024). Integrasi Literasi dan Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} Dalam Kurikulum {PAI} di {SMK} Negeri 1 {Sangatta Utara}. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Sosial, 02(02), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.71382/sinova.v2i2.143
Febriani, S. W., Ayundasari, L., Sayono, J., & Utami, I. W. P. (2024). Implementasi Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} Di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan. Indonesian Journal of Instruction, 5(3), 452–460. https://doi.org/10.23887/iji.v5i3.82766
Firdaus, I. A. (2026). School Management in the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum: Challenges and Implications for Student Learning Outcomes and Character Development. Meurunoe: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 1(1), 23-36.
Firnanda, R., Wafa, A. W., Fauziah, R. N., & Faradhila, N. (2026). AN ANALYSIS OF IRMAN GUSMAN'S THOUGHTS ON THE DECENTRALIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL REGULATION: REALIZING REGIONAL INDEPENDENCE IN THE NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM. As-Sulthan Journal of Education, 3(1), 596-614.
Fitriyanti, E. S., & Sholeh, M. (2023). Manajemen {Kurikulum Merdeka} dalam meningkatkan potensi peserta didik di Yayasan Sekolah Alam Citra Insani ({SACI}) {Lamongan}. Jurnal Inspirasi Manajemen Pendidikan, 10(4), 788–797.
Gautami, M., Kania, D., & Elan, E. (2023). Implementasi Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} dalam {Kurikulum Merdeka} untuk Pembentukan Warga Negara. Pelita: Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran Indonesia, 3(2), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.56393/pelita.v3i2.1730
Hamzah, M. R., Mujiwati, Y., Khamdi, I. M., Usman, M. I., & Abidin, M. Z. (2022). Proyek Profil Pelajar Pancasila sebagai Penguatan Pendidikan Karakter pada Peserta Didik. Jurnal Jendela Pendidikan, 2(04), 553–559. https://doi.org/10.57008/jjp.v2i04.309
Istiqomah, I., & Fauziah, S. (2024). Implementasi Manajemen Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar Di TK Ananda 1 Kabupaten Semarang. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 4(12), 1329–1338. https://doi.org/10.59141/japendi.v4i12.2584
Jaya, A. I. A. (2025). The Relevance of Ki Hajar Dewantara's Thoughts in the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Anjasmoro: Islamic Interdisciplinary Journal, 2(2), 127-138. https://doi.org/10.69965/anjasmoro.v2i2.117
Khairunnisa, A. S., Muhamad, A., Nayyara, N. S., & Widyadhana, T. A. (2025). The Effectiveness of Kurikulum Merdeka on the Accounting Learning System in Vocational Schools. Hipkin J. Educational Res., 2(2), 151–162. https://doi.org/10.64014/hipkin-jer.v2i2.43
Kusumaningrum, A. P., Murwaningsih, T., & Indrawati, C. D. S. (2024). Implementasi {Kurikulum Merdeka} di {SMK} Negeri 1 {Karanganyar} (Studi Kasus Pada Guru Produktif). JIKAP (Jurnal Informasi Dan Komunikasi Administrasi Perkantoran), 8(1), 89. https://doi.org/10.20961/jikap.v8i1.76264
Mellyzar, M., Rochintaniawati, D., Riandi, R., Fakhrah, F., & Virijai, F. (2025). The merdeka curriculum and P5: A review of teachers' understanding and students' experiences. Jurnal Wahana Pendidikan, 12(1), 123-140. http://dx.doi.org/10.25157/jwp.v12i1.16822
Midiaty, Mulawarman, W. G., & Masruhim, M. A. (2024). Analisis implementasi manajemen {Kurikulum Merdeka} dalam meningkatkan mutu pendidikan {SMK} Pusat Keunggulan. Jurnal Ilmu Manajemen Dan Pendidikan, 4(2), 123–134. https://doi.org/10.30596/jmp-dmt.v4i2.14953
Musdalifah. (2019). {Indonesia} Masuk 10 Terbawah Pendidikan dunia Harus Jadi Momentum Perbaikan.
Napitupulu, G., Silalahi, M., & Gultom, S. (2023). Implementasi Manajemen Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar dalam Peningkatan Mutu Pendidikan di SMA Negeri 1 Bandar. Journal on Education. https://jonedu.org/index.php/joe/article/view/3722
Nurqadriani, N., Dahlan, M. N. F., & Firdaus, M. N. R. C. (2025). Evaluation of the Performance Assessment System for Islamic School Principals: Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving Quality-Based Education. IJORER: International Journal of Recent Educational Research, 6(1), 1-18.
Purtina, A., Zannah, F., & Syarif, A. (2024). Inovasi Pendidikan Melalui {P5}: Menguatkan Karakter Siswa dalam {Kurikulum Merdeka}. Pedagogik Jurnal Pendidikan, 19(2), 147–152. https://doi.org/10.33084/pedagogik.v19i2.7947
Rahayu, C., Warlizasusi, J., Ifnaldi, I., & Khairiah, D. (2022). Concept analysis of the independent learning curriculum in the mass of covid 19 at early childhood education institutions. Al-Athfaal: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 5(1), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.24042/ajipaud.v5i1.11459
Rahmawati, Y., Herlina, H., Lapasere, S., Gagaramusu, Y. B. M., Mas' adi, M. A., & Surahman, S. (2026). Teachers' Understanding and Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesian Elementary Schools. Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education, 5(1), 1094-1107. https://doi.org/10.56916/jirpe.v5i1.2966
Rohmah, A. N., Sari, I. J., Rohmah, N. L., Syafira, R., Fitriana, F., & Admoko, S. (2023). Implementation of the “Merdeka Belajar” Curriculum in the Industrial 4.0 Era. International Journal of Research and Community Empowerment, 1(1), 22–28. https://doi.org/10.58706/ijorce.v1n1.p22-28
Rohmah, L. N., Fatimah, S., & ... (2023). Implementasi Pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar dalam Meningkatkan Nilai Spiritual Siswa. Tarbi: Jurnal Ilmiah …. https://ejournal.iainu-kebumen.ac.id/index.php/Tarbi/article/view/1139
Sa’diyah, I. S., Oktavia, R., Bisyara, R. S., & Badrudin, B. (2023). Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar Jenjang SMA. In Khazanah Multidisiplin.
Santika, R., & Dafit, F. (2023). Implementasi Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} sebagai Pendidikan Karakter di Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Obsesi: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(6), 6641–6653. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v7i6.5611
Setiawan, N., & Sofyan, H. (2022). Implementasi kurikukum merdeka belajar di SMK Pusat Keunggulan. Taman Vokasi, 10(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.30738/jtvok.v10i1.12114
Sugiri, W. A., & Priatmoko, S. (2020). Persprektif Asesmen Autentik Sebagai Alat Evaluasi Dalam Merdeka Belajar. At-Thullab : Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 4(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.30736/atl.v4i1.119
Ukrimah, S. (2026). COMPARISON OF THE INDONESIAN AND JAPANESE EDUCATION SYSTEMS. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Reseach, 2(1), 178-186.
Usman, A., Siregar, I. A. S., Ginting, S. M. B., Al, A. M., Basmeleh, & Romadhon, I. A. (2024). Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} Dalam Implementasi {Kurikulum Merdeka} Di Sekolah: A Literatur Review. Pendas: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, 09(01), 3079–3088. https://doi.org/10.23969/jp.v9i1.12691
Vinaya, A., Marischa, N. N., Meydiawanti, S., & Amanda, S. P. (2025). Analysis of Kurikulum Merdeka Tools at SMK Bina Sarana Cendekia Bandung. Hipkin J. Educational Res., 2(1), 37–54. https://doi.org/10.64014/hipkin-jer.v2i1.37
Wahidah, N., Zubair, M., Fauzan, A., & Alqodri, B. (2023). Implementasi Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} di {SMP} Negeri 1 {Mataram}. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 8(1b), 696–703. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v8i1b.1287
Wahyuni, F. (2016). Kurikulum Dari Masa Ke Masa (Telaah Atas Pentahapan Kurikulum Pendidikan Di {Indonesia}). Al-Adabiya: Jurnal Kebudayaan Dan Keagamaan, 10(02), 231–242.
Widihastuti, F., Muhdi, & Nurkolis. (2024). Manajemen {Kurikulum Merdeka} dalam Penguatan Profil Pelajar {Pancasila} dan Profil Pelajar Rahmatan Lil ‘ Alamin. JJIPS: Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran Di Sekolah, 5(2), 493–502. https://doi.org/10.51874/jips.v5i2.247
Yusuf, D. M., Azis, M., & Idrus, M. (2024). Analisis implementasi {Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar} di {SMK} Negeri 1 {Kota Parepare}. Edunomia: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Ekonomi, 4(2), 187–206. https://doi.org/10.24127/edunomia.v4i2.5638
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal La Edusci
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
