<![CDATA[This study aimed to analyze the internal barriers, external barriers, and needs of elementary school teachers in integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Educulture (culture-based education) in the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research employed a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design, involving 30 teachers and 5 principals from 7 elementary schools in Makassar City. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire measuring three dimensions (internal barriers, external barriers, and teacher needs), while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with principals. The results showed that the highest internal barrier was teachers' lack of understanding of how to integrate STEAM with local wisdom (73%), while motivational aspects were at the lowest level (33%). The highest external barriers were the unavailability of integrated teaching module examples (87%), time constraints (83%), and the lack of practical training (80%). The most urgent teacher needs were integrated teaching module examples (48%) and practical training (30%). This study concludes that teachers are mentally ready but instrumentally unprepared, requiring interventions in the form of concrete examples, practice-based training, continuous mentoring, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration between education offices, universities, and local communities.]]>
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