The Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Shaping Students' Religious Behavior: A Case Study of an Indonesian Junior High School

Abstract

National education in Indonesia is continually undergoing reform through the launch of the Merdeka (Independent) Curriculum, which emphasizes learning flexibility and the strengthening of students' character. Within this new curriculum structure, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) and the Project for Strengthening the Profile of Pancasila Students (Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila/P5) hold a strategic position to transfer and internalize religious values into students' actual behavior. Based on this context, this study aims to determine the implementation strategies of the Merdeka Curriculum and their impact on shaping students' religious behavior at SMP Negeri 3 Jati Agung. Utilizing a qualitative-descriptive approach, the researcher served as the key instrument, collecting data through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted inductively and validated using source triangulation. The results indicate that the implementation strategy was executed sustainably through the integration of differentiated learning, the habituation of routine religious activities, the implementation of P5, and consistent role modeling from teachers. This strategy proved effective in shaping students' religious behavior, which is reflected in their discipline regarding worship, noble character, high social-religious empathy, and the emergence of independent spiritual awareness. These findings underscore the importance of synergy between flexible curriculum regulations and a participatory school ecosystem in reconstructing student character.