ANALYZING MERDEKA MENGAJAR PLATFORM UTILIZATION TO ACCELERATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MERDEKA CURRICULUM IN INDONESIA

Abstract

In the context of Indonesia's ongoing digital transformation in education, the Merdeka Mengajar Platform represents a critical initiative within the broader Merdeka Curriculum aimed at fostering a more flexible and student-centered approach. This study investigates the utilization of the Merdeka Mengajar Platform among high school teachers in DKI Jakarta province, focusing on its frequency of use, understanding of features, and overall impact on teaching practices and student learning outcomes. Employing a descriptive quantitative research design, data were collected from 200 high school teachers through a structured online questionnaire. The findings indicate widespread acceptance and integration of the platform, with all respondents activating and regularly using their belajar.id account. Training sessions on the platform were highly effective, with 100% participation and positive feedback regarding clarity and helpfulness. Frequent use of inspirational videos and training modules highlighted their value in enhancing teaching motivation and creativity. Teachers reported significant improvements in lesson planning, student engagement, and overall teaching quality. Despite minor technical challenges and a need for more localized content, overall satisfaction with the platform remains high. This study underscores the importance of educational technology and continuous professional development in improving educational outcomes. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and educational stakeholders to optimize the implementation and further development of digital educational platforms. Future research should explore the long-term impact and effectiveness of such platforms across various educational contexts.