EFL Teachers’ Best Practices of Merdeka Curriculum Implementation in Batam Senior High Schools: Challenges and Opportunities

Leil Badrah Zaki, Jennifer Wiwit, Maya Marsevani, Theodesia Lady Pratiwi

Abstract


The Merdeka Curriculum was introduced to address the need for a more flexible and responsive education system, which is crucial in a diverse country like Indonesia. Educational challenges vary significantly between urban and rural areas and public and private schools. This study investigates the factors that hinder the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and examines how English teachers apply it in senior high schools located in inland and hinterland areas of the Riau Islands region.. The methodology used a mixed-method approach. The research involved 30 English teachers—23 from island schools and 7 from hinterland schools. Data were gathered through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with 5 teachers providing in-depth insights during interviews. The results reveal significant gaps in implementation, particularly among hinterland teachers, where 42.9% reported limited adaptability. The finding shows that each teacher faces unique challenges, which include: 1) administrative costs, 2) adjustments to new curricular components, and 3) a lack of government support, all of which hinder successful integration of the curriculum. To successfully implement the Merdeka curriculum, the following are essential: 1) involvement and support from all parties, 2) comprehensive teacher training, and 3) teachers' readiness. This study emphasizes that the successful implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum depends on the active participation of every school, ensuring that there is readiness, support, and adaptation to the new educational framework.

Keywords


Best practice; Merdeka curriculum; Curriculum implementation; Curriculum design; Teaching practices

Full Text:

FULL PDF

References


Abduh, A., Sakkir, G., Rosmaladewi, R., Andrew, M., & Yasdin. (2022). Teachers’ perceptions of english teaching strategies in the current curriculum change. International Journal of Language Education, 6(4), 437–444. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v6i4.25246

Ajisoko, P., Misbahudin, Jamilah, A., Diaz, L. N., & Nofiyah, S. (2025). Exploring teacher perception on the merdeka belajar curriculum in Tapos district elementary schools. Jurnal Pendidikan Glasser, 9(1), 24–32.

Akhmadi, A. (2023). Implementasi kurikulum merdeka di madrasah ibtidaiyah. Andragogi: Jurnal Diklat Teknis Pendidikan Dan Keagamaan, 11(1), 33–44. https://doi.org/10.36052/andragogi.v11i1.310

Akib, E., Imran, M. E., Mahtari, S., Mahmud, M. R., Prawiyogy, A. G., Supriatna, I., & Ikhsan, M. H. (2020). Study on implementation of integrated curriculum in Indonesia. IJORER : International Journal of Recent Educational Education, 1(1), 39–57. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4995218

Anisah, S., & Qamariah, Z. (2023). The Teacher’s Role in The Implementation of Curriculum Merdeka in English Classroom. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Nasional (JIPNAS), 1(3), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.59435/jipnas.v1i3.104

Awaliyah, S., & Tiarina, Y. (2023). An analysis of english teachers’ difficulties and strategies in implementing merdeka curriculum on the seventh grade at smpn 1 panyabungan selatan. Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(4), 1007–1015. https://doi.org/10.24036/jelt.v12i4.125529

Ayundasari, L. (2022). Implementasi pendekatan multidimensional dalam pembelajaran sejarah kurikulum merdeka. Sejarah Dan Budaya: Jurnal Sejarah, Budaya, Dan Pengajarannya, 16(1), 225–234. https://doi.org/10.17977/um020v16i12022p225-234

Creswell, J. w., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. In Sage Publications (Fifth). https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429469237-3

Cullen, R., Harris, M., & Hill, R. R. (2012). The learner-centered curriculum: design and implementation. Jossey-Bass. https://www.google.co.id/books/edition/The_Learner_Centered_Curriculum/7BAq-gIOmI8C?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

Doyle, T. (2023). Helping students learn in a learner-centered environment: a guide to facilitating learning in higher education. Taylor & Francis. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=en&lr=&id=CA_JEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT7&dq=learner+centered+approaches&ots=mUoB9sm-Kx&sig=k1tiaisWp4nGui9WyM_MoXlXYYU&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=learner centered approaches&f=false

Egan, K. (1978). What is curriculum? Curriculum Inquiry, 8(1), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/03626784.1978.11075558

Emawati, Taufiqulloh, & Fadhly, F. Z. (2024). Challenges and opportunities in implementation the merdeka curriculum language education: A meta synthetic analysis. English Review: Journal of English Education, 12(2), 869–882.

Endot, Z. (2021). Teacher Readiness in Implementing the Teaching of Design and Technology and Its Relationship with Self-Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 11(4), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijhrs.v11i4S.19234

Fahrurrozi, Ariandani, N., Marzuki, M., Nuraini, Zahara, L., & Haliliah. (2025). Improving teacher competence in the implementation of the merdeka curriculum: an intensive mentoring approach in madrasah. Ta’awun: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 05(01), 181–196. https://doi.org///doi.org/10.37850/ta’awun.

Fauzan, Ansori, R. A. M., Dannur, M., Pratama, A., & Hairit, A. (2023). The implementation of the merdeka curriculum (independent curriculum) in strengthening students’ character in indonesia. Aqlamuna: Journal of Educational Studies, 1(1), 136–155. https://doi.org/10.58223/aqlamuna.v1i1.237

Fauziah, E. R., & Badaruddin. (2023). Teachers self-efficacy in implementing the Merdeka curriculum at Kutasari 3 primary school. Internasional Conference on Child Education, 1(1), 559–569.

Ferdaus, S. A., & Novita, D. (2023). The implementation of the merdeka curriculum in english subject at a vocational high school in indonesia. Briliant: Jurnal Riset Dan Konseptual, 8(2), 297–310. https://doi.org/10.28926/briliant.v8i2.1201

Gabriella, Z. R., & Febria, D. (2022). the Effectiveness of Using Google Translate As a Tool. EJI (English Journal of Indragiri): Studies in Education, Literature, and Linguistics, 6(2), 233–245.

Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., & Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102(April), 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586

Hadi, A., Marniati, Ngindana, R., Kurdi, M. S., Kurdi, M. S., & Fauziah. (2023). New paradigm of merdeka belajar curriculum in schools. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(2), 1497–1510. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v15i2.3126

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

Hanum, L., & Dalimunte, A. A. (2025). Challenges and adaptations pre-service EFL teachers ’ perceptions on implementing the merdeka curriculum in teaching English. Cetta: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 8(2), 72–86.

Hayati, A. R., Afriani, Z. L., & Akbarjono, A. (2021). Teacher’s Teaching Strategies in EFL Class. Jadila: Journal of Development and Innovation in Language and Literature Education, 1(3), 330–341. https://doi.org/10.52690/jadila.v1i3.126

Hazyimara, K. (2023). A new paradigm of madrasah learning in the implementation of merdeka curriculum. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Islam, 11(2), 2023. http://riset-iaid.net/index.php/jppi

Hussain, M. S., & Khan, D. S. A. (2022). Self-Efficacy of Teachers: A Review. Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research, 1(50), 110–116.

Imaliyah, L., & Febria, D. (2023). Implementing english learning development using games in class x SMAN 20 Batam: learning station. Dialectical Literature and Educational Journal, 8(2), 63–67. https://doi.org/10.51714/dlejpancasakti.v8i2.100.pp.63-67

Imron, A. (2023). The implementation of merdeka curriculum in piloting madrasa; a case study at state madrasah ibtidaiyah of semarang city. Al Ibtida: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru MI, 10(2), 326–336. https://doi.org/10.24235/al.ibtida.snj.v10i2.14749

Jaguna, F. (2023). The implementation of independent learning curriculum in social sciences studies at smp unggulan 9 pulau morotai. International Journal of Education, Information Technology and Others (IJEIT), 6(4), 23–33. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10283895

Jamilah, I., Murti, R. C., & Khotijah, I. (2023). Analysis of Teacher Readiness in Welcoming the “Merdeka Belajar” Policy. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(1), 769–776. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v15i1.3085

Juniarni, S., Kaco, R., & Asa’ad, S. (2023). Time Management and Knowledge Management through Professional Competence in Teacher Performance. Journal of Indonesian Scholars for Social Research, 3(1), 64–72. https://doi.org/10.59065/jissr.v3i1.10

Kamal, S. (2024). Kurikulum merdeka in two senior high schools: its implementation in efl classroom. Global Expert: Jurnal Bahasa Dan Sastra, 11(2), 60–63. https://doi.org/10.36982/jge.v11i2.3426

Kamila, S. N., & RM, A. H. A. (2023). Implementation of merdeka curriculum in improving the quality of senior high school. Jurnal Educatio FKIP UNMA, 9(1), 394–401. https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v9i1.4591

Karatsareas, P. (2022). Semi-Structured Interviews. Research Methods in Language Attitudes, 99–113. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108867788.010

Makhambetova, A., Zhiyenbayeva, N., & Ergesheva, E. (2021). Personalized learning strategy as a tool to improve academic performance and motivation of students. International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies, 16(6), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJWLTT.286743

Mamuaja, M. P., Katuuk, D. A., Lengkong, J. S. J., & Rotty, V. N. J. (2023). Identification “merdeka curriculum” of elementary school levels in tomohon city. International Journal of Information Technology and Education, 2(3), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.62711/ijite.v2i3.123

Marthawati, C. R., & Adi, B. S. (2024). Learning implementation of the merdeka curriculum. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(7), 4342–4348. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i7.7247

Maulana, I., Mortini, A. V., & Jaya, A. (2023). Merdeka belajar curriculum and its implementation in junior high school level. Esteem Journal of English Education Study Programme, 7(1), 97–108. https://doi.org/10.31851/esteem.v7i1.12666

Mitra, D., & Purnawarman, P. (2019). Teachers’ perception related to the implementation of curriculum 2013. Indonesian Journal of Curriculum and Educational Technology Studies, 7(1), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.15294/ijcets.v7i1.27564

Moore, K. D. (2009). Effective instructional strategies (Second). SAGE Publications. https://www.google.co.id/books/edition/Effective_Instructional_Strategies/pFs0PC9v8NsC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=subject-centered&pg=PA36&printsec=frontcover

Muhammad Rafi Zidan, & Zaitun Qamariah. (2023). A literature study on the implementation of merdeka curriculum. Jurnal Riset Rumpun Ilmu Bahasa, 2(2), 153–167. https://doi.org/10.55606/jurribah.v2i2.1576

Mustafa, D. Y., Febria, D., & Zaki, L. B. (2025). Fostering creativity and digital skills in visual communication design through learning grammar and speaking conversation skills. Jurnal Lingkar Pembelajaran Inovatif, 6(1), 201–204.

Mutmainah, A., & Widhiatama, D. A. (2024). Unveiling success: exploring strategies of pre-service teachers in implementing merdeka curriculum in Indonesia. Asian Journal of Applied Education (AJAE), 3(1), 23–42. https://doi.org/10.55927/ajae.v3i1.7833

Nasir, V., & Muhamad, S. (2025). The teacher’s obstacle in applying merdeka curriculum. International Journal of Education, Information Technology and Others, 8(1), 41–50. https://jurnal.peneliti.net/index.php/IJEIT/article/view/11264

Novtian, F., & Yavani, Z. (2023). English teachers’ challenges in applying learning model of the implementation of merdeka belajar curriculum. Journal of Interdisciplinary Research Practice (JIRP), 1(1), 56–65. https://jirep.org/index.php/jirep/index

Nurzen S, M. (2022). Teacher Readiness in Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Kerinci Regency. Edunesia: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 3(3), 313–325. https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v3i3.424

Ornstein, A. C. (1982). Curriculum contrasts: a historical overview. Phi Delta Kappa International, 63(6), 404–408. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20386366

Patten, M. (2016). Questionnaire research: A practical guide. In Pyrczak Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315265858-5

Prakoso, B. H., Ramdani, Z., & Rahmah, B. (2021). Teacher’s perception on merdeka belajar policy. Indonesian Journal of Educational Assessment, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.26499/ijea.v3i2.84

Purwanti, I., & Wardani, H. K. (2024). Perspectives of vocational high school english teachers regarding kurikulum merdeka. Jurnal Pena Edukasi, 11(1), 80. https://doi.org/10.54314/jpe.v11i1.1759

Ramadan, B., & Widagsa, R. (2022). An EFL Teacher Perspective on Implementation of Dual Curriculum (Cambridge and Indonesian K13 National Curriculum) at Mutiara Persada School, Yogyakarta. ELTICS (English Language Teaching And English Linguistics) Journal, 7(1), 55–71.

Retnaningrum, E., Widyatiningtyas, R., Sari, A. R., Sapulete, H., Solissa, E. M., & Sujana, I. G. (2023). Teacher’s paradigm in interpreting the birth of the merdeka curriculum policy. Journal of Education Research, 4(2), 435–442.

Rohmah, Z., Hamamah, H., & Junining, E. (2024). “I Know This Is Good, but I Am Confused”: English Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Implementing the Independent Curriculum. Studies in English Language and Education, 11(2), 820–837. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v11i2.34804

Sabeliana, D. M., Suryani, M. D., Pratiwi, T., Hernina, T. M., & Septihana, V. W. (2024). Merdeka Curriculum and Merdeka Mengajar Platform to Improve Teacher Pedagogical Competence. JUPE : Jurnal Pendidikan Mandala, 9(2), 528–532. https://ejournal.mandalanursa.org/index.php/JUPE/article/view/7076

Samili, A. O., Ibrahim, F., Hasim, J., Muhamad, A., Sabtu, R., Adjam, S., & Apling, M. (2023). Evaluation of teacher performance in implementing the independent curriculum at smp negeri 12 tidore islands city. International Journal of Education, Information Technology and Others (IJEIT), 6(4), 56–60.

Saputri, D. H., Azzahra, D. A., Sari, D. V., Wulan, E. N., & Putri, S. A. (2024). Differences from K-13 curriculum to independent curriculum based on teacher perceptions. Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 1(2), 2–9. https://doi.org/10.47134/pgsd.v1i2.229

Sari, T. V., & Muamaroh. (2024). The implementation of the merdeka curriculum in learning english in senior high school: case study. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(1), 28–35. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i1.3047

Schweitzer, K. (2020). Curriculum design: definition, purpose and types. https://www.thoughtco.com/curriculum-design-definition-4154176

Sene, M., Garung, E. R., & Metom, P. B. (2024). Teachers’ perceptions of curriculum changes in the sumba, timor, and flores regions. JMKSP (Jurnal Manajemen, Kepemimpinan, Dan Supervisi Pendidikan), 9(1), 679–691. https://doi.org/10.31851/jmksp.v9i1.14873

Stevenson, M., & Witschge, T. (2020). Methods we live by : proceduralism , process , and pedagogy. European Journal of Media Studies, 9(2), 117–138.

Sutinah, C., Riyadi, A. R., Muftianti, A., Wulandari, M. A., & Ruqoyyah, S. (2024). Navigating change: an analysis of elementary school teachers’ readiness and implementation challenges with the merdeka curriculum. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 16(2), 1718–1729. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i2.5142

Taherdoost, H. (2022). What are Different Research Approaches ? Comprehensive Review of Qualitative , Quantitative , and Mixed Method Research , Their Applications , Types , and Limitations. 05(01), 53–63.

Telaumbanua, D. Y. (2024). Teacher perceptions In implementing the curriculum merdeka. Sintaksis : Publikasi Para Ahli Bahasa Dan Sastra Inggris, 2(1), 200–205. https://doi.org/10.61132/sintaksis.v2i1.367

Teresa, A., Febria, D., & Marsevani, M. (2024). EFL Teachers’ Perception Toward Integration of Technology in The 2013 Curriculum and Independence Curriculum. Journal of English Education and Teaching, 8(2), 322–336.

Tohamba, C. P. P., & Ansyar, M. (2025). Teachers ’ readiness for implementing the merdeka curriculum in English instruction. Contemporary Education and Community Engagement, 1(2), 20–29. https://doi.org/10.12928/cece.v1i2.1138

Tricahyati, S., & M, Z. (2023). English teachers’ readiness in implementing of ‘merdeka belajar’ curriculum in teaching english at junior high school in padang. Journal of English Language Teaching (Jelt), 12(1), 97–105. https://doi.org/10.24036/jelt.v12i1.121783

Wulandari, D., & Mustofa, T. A. (2023). Comparative implementation of the 2013 curriculum and the merdeka curriculum in state junior high schools. TADRIB: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 9(2), 152–159.

Yunitasari, D., Suastra, I. W., & Lasmawan, I. W. (2023). Implementation challenges of merdeka curriculum in primary schools. Prisma Sains : Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu Dan Pembelajaran Matematika Dan IPA IKIP Mataram, 11(4), 952–959. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-ps.v11i4.8079

Zamista, A. A., & Deswita, P. (2023). Perceptions of indonesian teachers on the implementation of “merdeka” curriculum. Wiyata Dharma: Jurnal Penelitian Dan Evaluasi Pendidikan, 11(1), 13–25. https://doi.org/10.30738/wd.v11i1.15611

Zendrato, J., & Agatha, D. C. (2023). An analysis of merdeka curriculum implementation in indonesia: a case study of facilitating students’ transformation. Jurnal Shanan, 7(2), 227–242. https://doi.org/10.33541/shanan.v7i2.5188

Zerlinda, M. A., & Alam, N. A. R. (2025). Teachers’ challenges on the implementation of the merdeka curriculum for coastal children. Journal of Islamic Education, 10(1), 128–154. https://doi.org///doi.org/10.52615/jie.v10i1.608




DOI: https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v13i2.14031

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Leil Badrah Zaki, Jennifer Wiwit

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

JOLLT Journal of Languages and Language Teaching (p-issn: 2338-0810 | e-issn: 2621-1378) has been Indexed/Listed by

 Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.