Indonesian Journal of Educational Science (IJES)
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Educational Science (IJES) : July 2026

Comparative Policy Analysis of Early Childhood Curriculum Frameworks: Adapting Australian EYLF Values to Strengthen Indonesia’s Kurikulum Merdeka

Novita Ashari (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia and Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare, Indonesia)
Rachma Hasibuan (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia)
Mallevi Agustin Ningrum1 (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

While early childhood education (ECE) globally aims to nurture holistic child development, the structural and philosophical execution varies significantly across nations. This study establishes a comparative policy analysis between two prominent frameworks: the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Indonesia’s Kurikulum Merdeka. Utilizing a qualitative document analysis approach, this research examines the core philosophies, operational structures, and implementation challenges of both curricula. The analysis reveals that while the EYLF anchors its pedagogy heavily on sociocultural interactions, intentional play, and institutionalized family partnerships, Kurikulum Merdeka drives its focus toward curricular autonomy, contextual flexibility, and the civic-moral dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile. Despite these divergent cultural and systemic origins, the findings indicate a profound synergy in their shared commitment to child-centered and reflective learning environments. Rather than advocating for a literal adoption, this study offers critical policy recommendations for adapting the universal benchmarks of the EYLF—particularly its robust quality assurance and formative assessment methods—to fortify pedagogical bottlenecks currently faced in the nationwide rollout of Kurikulum Merdeka within Indonesian ECE centers.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijes

Publisher

Subject

Other

Description

Indonesian Journal of Educational Science (IJES) is a journal managed by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of West Sulawesi University which will publish articles of research related to Role of technology in education, application of psychological concepts to education, importance ...