Improving the Quality of Islamic Religious Education in Indonesian Senior High Schools: A Comparison of KTSP and Kurikulum Merdeka

Abdul Fikri (Master of Islamic Sciences, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta)
Supriyanto Abdi (Master of Islamic Sciences, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta)
Sutrisno (Postgraduate Program of Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta)
Lilik Istiqomah (School of Humanities and Communication Arts Western Sydney)

Solo Universal Journal of Islamic Education and Multiculturalism
Vol. 4 No. 01 (2026): Solo Universal Journal of Islamic Education and Multiculturalism

Objective: This study aims to explore changes in the quality of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) at the high school level in the context of the implementation of KTSP (Kurikulum Tingkat Satuan Pendidikan) and the Independent Curriculum. The focus of the analysis includes the objectives, development foundations, and efforts to improve the quality of IRE in both curricula. Theoretical framework: The research framework focuses on the concept of changing and improving the quality of IRE learning through the comparison of the characteristics of KTSP and the Independent Curriculum. The study is directed at the curriculum objectives, the basis for development, and the orientation to improve the quality of education and the character of students. Literature review: A literature review uses journals and books relevant to Islamic education, curriculum development, and improvement of IRE learning quality. The literature is used as secondary data to strengthen analysis of changes in curriculum policies and practices.  Method: The research uses a qualitative approach with a critical analysis method. Primary data is in the form of regulations related to IRE subjects in KTSP and the Independent Curriculum, while secondary data comes from relevant journals and books. Results: The improvement in the quality of IRE at the high school level in the Independent Curriculum is especially seen in the addition of several learning topics that are relevant to current conditions. More broadly, improving the quality of education includes changes in learning paradigms, simplification of teaching tools, evaluation, strengthening the role of teachers, and co-curricular activities. Implications: The implementation of the Independent Curriculum needs to be understood as a more comprehensive change in improving the quality of education. Novelty: The novelty of the research lies in a critical analysis of the transformation of the quality of IRE by comparing the KTSP and the Independent Curriculum directly. The research also places the changes in IRE in the context of improving the quality of education and strengthening character through the Pancasila Student Profile.