AL-ADABIYAH: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam
Vol. 7 No. 4 (2026): AL-ADABIYAH: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam

Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Primary Education: Evidence from Grade I and IV Teachers at Sungai Raya 01 Public Elementary School

Sri Nurjanah (Universitas Tanjungpura Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat)
Muhammad Asrori (Universitas Tanjungpura Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat)
Hairida (Universitas Tanjungpura Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Aug 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined Grade I and Grade IV teachers’ understanding, perceptions, planning, and classroom enactment of the Merdeka Curriculum at Sungai Raya 01 Public Elementary School, Indonesia. Method: A convergent mixed-methods case study was conducted from September 4 to October 23, 2024. Participants were six classroom teachers, including three Grade I teachers and three Grade IV teachers, selected through total sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a 25-item curriculum-understanding test, a 15-item perception questionnaire, and a structured classroom-observation instrument. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, field notes, and available teaching modules. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and both strands were integrated through comparison. Main findings: Teachers achieved a mean understanding score of 83.67 and an overall perception score of 85.33%, both categorized as very good. External curriculum-related stimuli received the highest perception score at 93.33%, compared with individual understanding at 82.67% and individual evaluation at 82.22%. Classroom implementation scored 94.60%. Teachers prepared teaching modules under the supervision of the school principal, considered learning outcomes, used diagnostic assessment, and implemented student-centered and differentiated activities across introductory, core, and closing phases. However, technology-based instruction was not observed, and the formative use of assessment evidence was not fully documented. Novelty/originality: The study moves beyond single-source evaluations by distinguishing teachers’ knowledge, perceptions, reported planning, and observed practices within one integrated analytical framework. Contribution: It demonstrates that favorable perceptions and high scores do not necessarily indicate complete implementation. The findings provide contextual evidence for designing school-based professional development focused on differentiation, formative assessment, instructional technology, and stronger alignment between curriculum knowledge and classroom enactment in Indonesian primary education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

adabiyah

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education Other

Description

AL-ADABIYAH: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam is a peer-reviewed journal on Islamic education published by Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Islamic State University of Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember. This journal focuses on advancing the science of Islamic Education through high-quality ...