Jeels: (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies) P-ISSN: 2407-2575 E-ISSN: 2503-2194

JEELS
(Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies)

P-ISSN: 2407-2575 E-ISSN: 2503-2194
https://jurnalfaktarbiyah.iainkediri.ac.id/index.php/jeels
CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING KURIKULUM MERDEKA

FOR EFL TEACHERS
*Fahrani Reza1; Zuliati Rohmah2; Nur Nabilah Abdullah3

1,2English Language Education, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang,
Indonesia;
3Department of English Language, International Islamic University
Malaysia, Edu Hub Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

*fahranireza@student.ub.ac.id; zuliatirohmah@ub.ac.id;
nnabilah@iium.edu.my
(*) Corresponding Author
Abstract: Indonesia's new Kurikulum Merdeka,

introduced for post-COVID-19 recovery and
educational improvement, presents unique challenges,
especially requiring teachers to create teaching
materials from scratch. This article explores the
challenges the English teachers face in executing
Kurikulum Merdeka. This study employed a mixed-
method approach to examine the challenges faced by
English teachers when implementing Kurikulum
Merdeka. Quantitative data were collected through a
Google Form questionnaire distributed to 170 English
1
Citation in APA style:
Reza, F., Rohmah, Z., & Abdullah, N. N. (2023). The challenges of implementing Kurikulum Merdeka
for English teachers. 2023. JEELS, 10(2), 439-469.
DOI: 10.30762/jeels.v10i2.1899
Submission: September 2023, Revision: November 2023, Publication: November 2023

for English teachers. JEELS, 10(2), 439-469.
teachers in secondary schools across Indonesia.

Qualitative insights were obtained through two
separate Focus Group Discussions (FGD) sessions, one
involving junior high school (SMP) teachers and
another with high school (SMA) teachers, in the cities of
Malang and Mataram, Indonesia. The current study
unveils a myriad of challenges faced by English teachers
in connection with the curriculum. These challenges are
ascribed to various factors encompassing insufficient
teacher training, limited access to support facilities,
reduced self-efficacy levels, inadequate information
technology skills, students' diverse backgrounds,
financial constraints, limited resources, comprehension
and implementation obstacles associated with
differentiated learning strategies, and issues related to
time allocation and management.
Keywords: English teachers, implementation challenges,

mixed-method approach, Kurikulum Merdeka, post COVID-
19 education
INTRODUCTION
The global outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 has undeniably
presented numerous challenges to individuals worldwide. The
educational domain has seen significant effects, affecting both
educators and students (Bhasin et al., 2021). In response to the global
pandemic, numerous educational institutions were driven to
implement a shift towards online learning as a means of adapting to
the surrounding circumstances. However, Aswat et al. (2021) have
highlighted that the transition to online learning has resulted in
significant deviations from the traditional classroom environment,
leading to the emergence of a phenomenon known as learning loss.
This phenomenon refers to the adverse effects experienced by students
as a consequence of the move to online learning. As posited by Pier et
al. (2021), learning loss refers to the phenomenon in which learners'
educational progress experiences setbacks in comparison to their prior
440
academic years. This condition occurs when students encounter

impediments or delays in the acquisition of new knowledge or skills
(Kuhfeld et al., 2020; Engzell et al., 2021).
In the context of Indonesia, the ongoing epidemic has
exacerbated the pre-existing challenges faced by the country,
particularly in terms of learning loss. Based on research conducted by
the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), it was
revealed that 70% of children below the age of 15 encountered
challenges in the domains of reading and mathematics, thus
underscoring the existence of a profound learning crisis (PISA, 2018).
This observation suggests that Indonesia is currently experiencing a
significant educational challenge. In response to the aforementioned
concerns, the Minister of Education and Culture, NadiemMakarim,
introduced a curriculum known as KurikulumDaruratduring episode 15
of Merdeka Belajar. This curriculum can be regarded as a streamlined
iteration of the existing Kurikulum 2013. Based on the data presented
by the Minister, it can be observed that the implementation of
Kurikulum Darurat resulted in a reduction of learning loss by a duration
of one month, whereas the implementation of Kurikulum 2013 led to a
reduction of learning loss by a duration of six months. The
aforementioned outcome catalyzed the Minister to initiate the
development of a curriculum known as Kurikulum Merdeka.
The Kurikulum Merdeka is distinguished from the K-13
curriculum in that it not only prioritizes the enhancement of students'
knowledge but also places significant emphasis on the cultivation of
their abilities. According to Saleh (2020), the program known as
Kurikulum Merdeka aims to explore the potential of both teachers and
students in fostering a higher level of learning within the classroom
setting. Additionally, Sapitri (2022) states the Kurikulum Merdeka
program focuses on empowering schools to develop their curriculum
according to the specific requirements of their pupils. This approach
grants instructors complete autonomy in establishing their own
instructional and learning methods.
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Furthermore, information available on the official website

Kemdikbud.go.id highlights several distinctive features that set
Kurikulum Merdeka apart from Kurikulum 2013. Notably, the lesson
plans have been streamlined, incorporating activities aligned with the
Pancasila student profile. This curriculum also delineates clear learning
objectives, with a deliberate focus on fostering students' non-academic
development.
In the 15th material presentation, the Minister asserted that
Kurikulum Merdeka possesses three distinct advantages that are poised
to enhance and elevate the quality of Indonesia's education system. The
curriculum placed significant emphasis on providing comprehensive
and accessible learning materials. Another significant aspect is the
utilization of the term Merdeka within the context of students, teachers,
and the educational institution itself. This curriculum provides
students with the opportunity to select a subject that aligns with their
interests or talents. Teachers are afforded the autonomy to employ
instructional approaches and resources that align with the student's
level of attainment.
The educational program known as Kurikulum Merdeka grants
educational institutions complete autonomy in designing and
administering the curriculum in alignment with the unique attributes
and needs of the students. According to Saleh (2020), the
implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka grants educational institutions
the autonomy to tailor their curricula to cater to the specific
requirements of their respective schools. One notable benefit of
incorporating Kurikulum Merdeka is the utilization of project-based
learning, enabling students to investigate real-world concerns. This
approach aligns with one of the key components of this curriculum,
namely the Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila program (Project
Strengthening the Profile of Pancasila Students, further referred to as
P5). The P5 program provides children with an opportunity to enhance
their knowledge, talents, and character development through
experiential learning within their surrounding environment.
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Therefore, the successful implementation of the Kurikulum

Merdeka has the potential to yield positive outcomes for the education
system in Indonesia. According to Ekawati (2016), it is imperative to
take into account the role of curriculum development as a determinant
of a nation's destiny. According to Johnson (2001), the development of
a curriculum is a complex undertaking that necessitates the
involvement of all stakeholders throughout the entire process of
examining and changing the curriculum. Nevertheless, the pivotal
factor in determining the effectiveness of a curriculum is the role
played by the teachers. The significance of their role may be
substantiated by the fact that teachers possess extensive expertise and
a profound understanding of pedagogical methodologies.
Furthermore, teachers hold the responsibility of introducing students
to the curriculum that was established (Alsubaie, 2016).
The active engagement and effective implementation of this
curriculum hold heightened significance, particularly for teachers
specializing in English. As previously stated, the Kurikulum Merdeka
places significant emphasis on fostering the students' skill
development in accordance with the Pancasila student profile.It is
imperative that English educators who have adopted the Kurikulum
Merdeka also incorporate the moral principles of Pancasila into the
student's educational endeavors. Upholding the country's high morals
and values, preparing people to become global citizens, emulating
social justice, and developing 21st-century skills are the main objectives
of the Pancasila Students Profile (Nugrohadi & Anwar, 2022; Rizki &
Fahkrunisa, 2022). In addition, it is imperative for English teachers to
consider the suitability of instructional materials in relation to the
Capaian Pembelajaran (Learning Achievement, hereafter referred to as
CP), Tujuan Pembelajaran (Learning Objectives, hereafter referred to as
TP), and Alur Tujuan Pembelajaran (Learning Objectives Flow or
syllabus, hereafter referred to as ATP) when delivering their
instruction. According to the findings of Zulaiha et al. (2022), it was
determined that schools that recently adopted the Kurikulum Merdeka
noted a significant challenge among instructors in accurately
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identifying the Core Principles (CP) provided by the central authority

and subsequently translating them into Teaching Plans (TP) and
Assessment Tools and Practices (ATP). The Kurikulum Merdeka
program incorporates a diagnostic assessment to ascertain the
students' overall abilities, including their competencies, strengths, and
areas for improvement (Supriyadi et al., 2022). As a result, it is
imperative for teachers to implement diversified instructional
approaches within their classrooms, thereby facilitating the collective
comprehension of the English language among students with diverse
learning requirements. English teachers are expected to possess both
creativity and insight, serving as role models for their students.
The significance of the teacher's role in the curriculum
development process has recently been acknowledged, particularly in
relation to the Kurikulum Merdeka, which introduces new regulations
that differ dramatically from the previous curriculum. The researchers
have concerns about the extent to which teachers are receptive and
adequately prepared to face these modifications. This also elicited
questions regarding the teacher's viewpoint on the recently
implemented curriculum. Tricahyati and Zaim (2023) believe that
certain teachers may exhibit opposition towards novel reforms,
stemming from either a lack of clarity regarding updated policies or a
general inclination towards opposing change.
In recent years, studies related to challenges in the Kurikulum
Merdeka have been conducted before, each with different types of
challenges that the teachers encountered. For instance, difficulties in
understanding the curriculum (Aulia, 2021; Pertiwi & Pusparini, 2021;
Marlina, 2022, Salim, et al., 2022), low IT skills (Solikhah & Purnomo,
2022; Damayanti & Muhroji, 2022), difficulties in understanding CP,
TP, and ATP (Damayanti & Muhroji, 2022; Marlina, 2022; Rindayati, et
al., 2022; Tricahyati & Zaim, 2023, Zulaiha et al., 2022) difficulties in
making the teaching module (Effendi, et al., 2023, Mustika, 2022), and
lack of readiness for the teachers (Correos & Huelma, 2022; Nurzen,
2022; Solikhah & Purnomo, 2022; Yuhastina, et al., 2020; Tricahyati &
Zaim, 2023).
444
To the best of the researchers' knowledge, no study has been

conducted to specifically identify the challenges faced by English
teachers in implementing Kurikulum Merdeka. The implementation of
this curriculum can be characterized as relatively novel for the majority
of teachers. In light of this emerging phenomenon and in light of the
requirements imposed by the new curriculum, researchers’ express
apprehension regarding potential challenges that English teachers may
face when attempting to implement the Kurikulum Merdeka.
The present study focuses on elucidating the various challenges
encountered by English teachers in the implementation of Kurikulum
Merdeka. Specifically, the research question that guides this
investigation is as follows: "What are the challenges that English
teachers face in the process of implementing Kurikulum Merdeka?" The
objective of this study is to improve the implementation of Kurikulum
Merdeka by identifying the challenges associated with its execution.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that the findings of this research will
make a valuable contribution towards enhancing the educational
standards in Indonesia, thereby highlighting the significance of
undertaking this study.
METHOD
To comprehensively investigate the challenges encountered by English
teachers during the implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka, this
research employed a mixed-method approach, which combines
quantitative and qualitative methodologies in a unified framework
(Creswell & Tashakkori, 2007). The study collected quantitative data
through a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Qualitative data
was gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) to facilitate in-
depth discussions on the specific challenges faced by teachers in the
execution of this curriculum within their respective school settings.
Following the recommended sequential explanatory method
proposed by Creswell and Tashakkori (2007), the researchers
employed the following steps. Initially, the researchers developed a
questionnaire utilizing a four-point Likert scale format, drawing
445
inspiration from prior scholarly investigations. Subsequently, focus

group discussions (FGDs) were undertaken to complement the data
findings gathered from the questionnaires completed by the teachers.
In light of this, the inquiries posed during the focus group discussion
(FGD) were predominantly based on the information obtained from
the questionnaires.
The distribution of the questionnaire was conducted among
English teachers in secondary schools in Indonesia who have
implemented Kurikulum Merdeka, with the assistance of the Teaching
English as a Foreign Language in Indonesia (TEFLIN) network and the
teacher support groups (MGMPs). The questionnaire was
administered during the period of June to August 2023 and
subsequently concluded. It aimed to gather data from a sample of 170
participants, specifically English teachers employed in secondary
schools. The questionnaire was part of the bigger study on teachers'
self-efficacy in implementing the Kurikulum Merdeka. The teachers were
asked to choose between the options yes, unaware, no, and uncertain
based on the following questions whether they are having difficulties
in understanding Kurikulum Merdeka, whether they have insufficient IT
proficiency, whether they have difficulties in translating CP, TP, and
ATP, whether they have difficulties in creating Modul Ajar, and
whether they agree with the fact that the government's lack in terms of
support resulted in unprepared teachers for the transition. The teachers
were also given the chance to add their challenges in implementing
Kurikulum Merdeka through an open-ended question. Subsequently, the
participants were selected in random order to be extended an
invitation to partake in the focus group discussion (FGD) segment of
the study. The study involved a sample of 59 participants who were
English teachers from both junior high schools (SMP) and high schools
(SMA).
The FGD sessions were organized into two separate groups: one
comprised of both SMP and SMA teachers in Malang, with 27
participants, and the other consisting of teachers from West Nusa
Tenggara, with 32 participants. Both regions were chosen based on the
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number of teachers who responded to the questionnaire which

indicated the majority of them were from Malang and West Nusa
Tenggara. Each group engaged in one hour-long discussion, sharing
their comprehensive experiences with the implementation of
Kurikulum Merdeka within their respective schools. The FGDs also
collected data from English teachers in Mataram. The questions posed
during these sessions aimed to prompt teachers to openly discuss the
challenges they encountered while implementing this new curriculum
in their educational institutions.
The analysis of the results from both sets of data was conducted
using different methodologies. Quantitative analysis was employed to
examine the questionnaire data, whereas thematic analysis was
utilized to explore the qualitative data gathered from the focus group
discussion (FGD) sessions.
FINDINGS
This section presents an in-depth discussion of the prevalent
difficulties faced by English teachers during the implementation of the
curriculum. The resulting discussion is organized into six distinct
categories, offering a more complex examination of the subject matter.
The initial challenge pertains to a deficiency in comprehending
Kurikulum Merdeka. The second challenge revolves around their limited
proficiency in information technology (IT). The third challenge is
associated with the intricacies of translating CP, TP, and ATP within
the Kurikulum Merdeka framework. The third challenge is associated
with the intricacies of translating CP, TP, and ATP within the
Kurikulum Merdeka framework. The fourth challenge pertains to the
creation of Modul Ajar. The fifth factor contributing to the challenges
faced during the transition is the absence of adequate government
support, which subsequently results in a lack of preparedness among
teachers. In addition to the aforementioned challenges, English
teachers face a number of other obstacles, which are outlined towards
the conclusion of this section.
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Difficulty in Understanding the Kurikulum Merdeka

Based on the result of the distributed questionnaire, it is clear
that the teachers have mixed responses regarding how well they
understand the whole concept of Kurikulum Merdeka.
Figure 1. The difficulty in understanding Kurikulum Merdeka
Figure 1 gives a clear illustration of whether or not the teachers

are having difficulty understandingKurikulum Merdeka. Respondents
showed a distinctive pattern, most of them are equally divided
between disagreeing (34%) that they have experienced any difficulties
in understanding Kurikulum Merdeka and feeling uncertain (34%) if
they are undergoing a challenge about the curriculum. The rest of the
respondents (30%) agree that they have gone through some difficulties
in comprehending the curriculum. Meanwhile, the other (2%) of the
respondents are unaware that they are experiencing this circumstance.
The data give a further explanation that most of the teachers do
not experience any struggle in grasping the whole idea of Kurikulum
Merdeka. Most of them also are not sure whether they are facing a
challenge in understanding the whole curriculum. It can be concluded
that in reality, teachers do comprehend what the curriculum is like,
what made it different from the previous curriculum, what are the
different aspects of the curriculum, and so on. However, it is a
possibility that what they might experience is the struggle of
448
implementing the curriculum or in other words applying it in their

teaching practice. Some of the teachers, unfortunately, do not
understand the curriculum on its own. This lack of understanding
would then possibly hinder them from further executing this
curriculum in practice.
A result from the FGD session explains even further the reasons
why the teachers are experiencing difficulties in understanding the
curriculum. They said that,
“Well, coincidentally, yesterday I happened to be a mentor for the

PPG program. I was like, "Oh, how will I do this?" So, I ended up
learning on my own how to handle it.” (Excerpt 1a, SMP, MLG)
“There are things that we don't understand, especially for those

in P5, theProjekPenguatanProfilPelajar Pancasila. Coincidentally, I
ended up being the coordinator for it, and it's been quite
challenging for me, making me a bit confused.” (Excerpt 1b,
Mataram)
“But now, you see, we're the ones who come up with the concepts
ourselves, create them ourselves. So, we sort of become, you
know, like, what does it mean? I mean, because of this freedom”
(Excerpt 1c, SMA, MLG)
“We're asked to design our curriculum, even though we're not

really experts in it.”( Excerpt 1d, SMA, MLG)
Based on the compiled responses, it can be concluded that

teachers have not grasped the whole concept of Kurikulum Merdeka and
some of them feel that it is too complicated for them to understand. The
teacher’s confusion over the curriculum had made them compelled to
learn by themselves (Excerpt 1a). Another teacher also expressed
complaints regarding their confusion about P5, one of the standout
aspects of the curriculum (Excerpt 1b). Furthermore, other complaints
also mentioned that teachers are struggling to understand how to
design their teaching concepts (Excerpt 1c). The teacher referred to in
449
Excerpt 1d mentioned that they are not capable enough to design their
curriculum.
Insufficient IT Proficiency
Data received from the questionnaire show that teachers have
different stands regarding their proficiency in IT skills.
Figure 2. Insufficient IT proficiency
Based on Figure 2, the majority of the respondents (44%)

disagree that they have insufficient IT skills. Some of the respondents
(31%) though, agree that their IT proficiency is not adequate to fit into
the requirements of Kurikulum Merdeka. Meanwhile, the rest of the
respondents (25%) are uncertain if their IT proficiency qualifies as
insufficient to be applied in Kurikulum Merdeka. The data shows that
most of the teachers who have implemented this curriculum have the
right amount of IT skills that are needed. However, those who
responded that they do have insufficient IT proficiency need to be paid
attention as the number is still considered high.
To give further explanation into the struggles or the teachers'
incapability of utilizing IT, the result of the FGD session highlighted
several conditions like technical challenges and a lack of familiarity
with modern technological tools that hindered their effective
integration of IT into the classroom. They noted that,
450
“In essence, the signal is feeble, and the majority of its users are
from Madura.” (Excerpt 2a, SMP, MLG)
“Well, the most significant challenge we face at our school is the

internet network.” (Excerpt 2b, SMA, MLG)
“I observe the development, whether it's about smartphones for

these kids, or laptops, or the internet – oh my, I feel like I'm left
behind if I don't catch up with all of this.” (Excerpt 2c, SMP,
MLG)
“However, for schools, it's just that there will be new challenges
when the facilities are already in place, the kids are tech-savvy,
but new challenges will arise. In other words, they progress
faster than we do.” (Excerpt 2d, SMP, MLG)
The findings from the focus group discussion (FGD) indicate

that two primary factors posed challenges for teachers in meeting the
information technology (IT) requirements of this curriculum. The
initial concern pertains to an unreliable network, which was
encountered by the majority of educational institutions, resulting in
interruptions to the educational experience (Excerpts 2a & 2b). The
second challenge pertains to the teachers' inability to keep pace with
technologically proficient pupils, resulting in a complex learning
environment that hampers their capacity to seamlessly incorporate
technology into instructional practices (Excerpts 2c & 2d).
Difficulty in Translating CP, TP, and ATP in Kurikulum Merdeka

Based on the result of the questionnaire, the teachers have
distinctive responses regardless of whether they have difficulties in
translating the CP, TP, and ATP in Kurikulum Merdeka.
451
Figure 3. Difficulty in translating CP, TP, and ATP in Kurikulum

Merdeka
Based on Figure 3, most of the respondents (43%) are uncertain

whether they have gone through a challenge in translating CP, TP, and
ATP. Meanwhile, the remaining respondents are somewhat split
between agreeing (29%) that they face challenges in translating these
components and disagreeing (28%) with encountering the same issue.
The high number of responding teachers who express
uncertainty about whether they experience any difficulties leads to the
conclusion that it is a possibility that they occasionally face a struggle
in deciphering CP, TP, and ATP in Kurikulum Merdeka. The data
provide a more comprehensive answer regarding this specific
challenge. They said that,
“Perhaps it's only their superficial understanding, you know.

They grasp the terms like CP and ATP, but when it comes to
actually mapping it out, they face some difficulties.” (Excerpt 3a,
SMP, MLG)
“In the current Kurikulum Merdeka, what's particularly

complicated in this vocational high school is that the CP being
developed is meant for regular high schools. It's overwhelming
for us, ma'am.” (Excerpt 3b, Mataram)
452
“But the difficulty is the same, translating ATP and CP, which
we find extremely challenging because it's different from the
previous curriculum.” (Excerpt 3c, SMP, MLG)
“So, that's what sometimes still confuses me, you know. Because
CP has many aspects, right? I mean, there are themes for the
reading part, and there's a lot for the speaking part too. So, when
we divide it for each semester, it becomes confusing. Then, we
have to choose which ones are ultimately suitable for this
reading text, so that the speaking skill aligns well with it.”
(Excerpt 3d, SMA, MLG)
Based on the findings of the focus group discussion (FGD), it

can be concludedthat teachers continue to encounter difficulties in
comprehending and distinguishing the concepts of CP (Competency
Points), TP (Teaching Points), and ATP (Assessment Tools and
Practices) within the Kurikulum Merdeka (Independent Curriculum)
framework. One of the educators expressed their comprehension of the
terminology, although they are encountering difficulties in integrating
it into their educational process (Excerpt 3a). Another educator
expressed their concern about the complexity of implementing the
curriculum plan (CP) at their vocational high school, noting that the CP
was originally designed for conventional high schools (Excerpt 3b).
Furthermore, it was noted by several educators that the translation of
ATP and CP posed a significant issue, mostly because of their
departure from the prior curriculum (Excerpt 3c). Finally, a further
educator highlights the perplexity that arises from the various facets of
CP, encompassing a range of reading and speaking elements, as well
as the difficulty of effectively aligning these components when
organizing them into several semesters (Excerpt 3d).
Difficulty in Creating the Modul Ajar

Based on the result of the questionnaire, the data has gathered
a variety of responses from teachers on their ability to create the Modul
Ajar from Kurikulum Merdeka.
453
Figure 4. Difficulty in creating the Modul Ajar
The illustration from Figure 4 shows that most teachers (38%)

feel uncertain if they undergo some difficulties in making the Modul
Ajar. The rest of the responders are divided almost evenly into agreeing
(30%) that they are having difficulties in creating the Modul Ajar, while
(31%) do not encounter any challenges in producing the Modul Ajar.
Meanwhile, a small number of teachers (1%) are unaware if they
undergo the identical problem. Similar to the previously mentioned
challenge, it is a possibility that the majority of teachers who responded
with “uncertain” sometimes encounter a problem in creating Modul
Ajar, but not constantly.
The data from the FGD session explain the elaborated responses
from the English teachers about this mentioned issue. They noted that,
“Modul Ajar, then how about the work project, and why does it
seem like it's taking away our teaching time?” (Excerpt 4a,
Mataram)
“Then, but there's this one, actually, from what you asked earlier.
In giving lessons, writing Modul Ajar mostly uses problem-based
learning. However, that language can't be done like our syntax.
It requires research and so on, so we revert.” (Excerpt 4b, SMP,
MLG)
454
“For example, being asked to create Modul Ajar, that's still, well,
somewhat uncertain.” (Excerpt 4c, SMP, MLG)
Based on the findings from the focus group discussion (FGD)

discussed earlier, it is evident that the requirement for teachers to
develop their own teaching modules, known as Modul Ajar, is a
complex matter. Certain educators have asserted that this particular
request could potentially be perceived as an excessive demand on
teachers, particularly given that the majority of them lack any prior
familiarity or expertise in this subject matter (Excerpts 4a & 4b).
According to some teachers, the utilization of problem-based learning
in Modul Ajar posed challenges for them, particularly in meeting
research requirements and coping with language complexities
(Excerpt 4c).
The Lack of Government Support Resulted in Unprepared Teachers

for the Transition
Based on the questionnaire results, the teachers' responses
emphasize variations that emerge due to the governor's lack of
support, leading to their unpreparedness for the upcoming transition.
Figure 5. The lack of government support resulted in

unprepared teachers for the transition
455
Figure 5 illustrates that most of the respondents (42%) agree that

insufficient support from the government led to teachers feeling
unprepared to implement the new curriculum. The other respondents
(34%) feel uncertain that the government's lack of support is the cause
of teachers’ unreadiness. The rest of the respondents (22%) disagree
about the same issue, while a small number of respondents (2%) are
unaware of that statement.
The conclusion can be drawn from the data result that most of
the teachers agree that the government did not give enough supply of
knowledge to the teachers to prepare them for implementing this new
curriculum. Meanwhile, the rest of the teachers are not sure if it is the
government’s factor that made some teachers not adequate to carry out
Kurikulum Merdeka. Teachers also have mixed responses about this
issue based on the result of the FGD session. They told that,
“We are not quite capable, not yet able to reflect too deeply,
because, to be honest, this is a bit of a confession, Our school
supervisor was truly negligent, very negligent throughout the
past year. That's right, what's lacking, it's unknown. We just
carry on like that." (Excerpt 5a, SMP, MLG)
“Actually, sometimes we take the material from teachers who are

experts in different fields, which might not be feasible. Perhaps
we still can't facilitate it for each subject like that. Sometimes it's
like, "Oh, how should we do this? When using this syntax, why
does it seem a bit forced?" So, that's often the main question
asked by the teachers.” (Excerpt 5b, SMP, MLG)
“The socialization exists, but sometimes the explanations haven't

fully penetrated yet, it's just the beginning like this, oh yes, like
that, but it's not comprehensive, for example, regarding teaching
and how the teaching modules are, the socialization is still
limited like that.” (Excerpt 5c, Mataram)
“In fact, we are the ones who end up feeling the pressure. We are
supposed to keep up with the times, but our level of freedom is
limited to some extent. It's sort of like that.” (Excerpt 5d, SMA,
MLG)
456
Data from the FGDs show that teachers gave a few factors about
what made most teachers feel unprepared for the transition that is
coming from the government specifically. One of the teachers
complained that their school supervisor seemed inattentive giving the
teachers guidance regarding Kurikulum Merdeka (Excerpt 5a). Others
also expressed that there was a lack of adequate resources coming from
the feasibility of adapting materials and uncertainty of the teaching
methods as well (Excerpt 5b). A different case happened to one of the
teachers who mentioned that the socialization about Kurikulum Merdeka
that they received was not sufficient to cover the entire curriculum
(Excerpt 5c). Lastly, a teacher claimed that the extent of “freedom”
which is the whole concept of this curriculum overwhelms the teachers
(Excerpt 5d).
The Other Challenges of Implementing Kurikulum Merdeka

In addition to the aforementioned five challenges, the
questionnaire provided an opportunity for teachers to express
additional difficulties they encountered when implementing
Kurikulum Merdeka through an open-ended question. The responses
unveiled a supplementary set of challenges confronting teachers
within this curriculum. These challenges can be further categorized
into four distinct domains, such as difficulties arising from students'
diverse backgrounds and financial limitations, obstacles due to
insufficient facilities or resources, challenges related to understanding
and implementing differentiated learning strategies, and issues
concerning time allocation and management.
Students’ Background and Financial Constraints

Teachers have additional challenges when utilizing this
curriculum, particularly in relation to the student's perspective, which
poses obstacles to its effective implementation. They said that,
“Some of the students that lack support come from their family
and their financial problems.”
457
“Economic limitations within families and the student's

background knowledge in rural areas.”
“Students haven't fully understood their personal responsibilities
and obligations regarding independence in implementing the
Kurikulum Merdeka.”
“Sometimes it's difficult to prepare students' readiness because of
their different background problems.”
Based on the analysis of the open-ended questions in the

questionnaire, it is evident that students' various backgrounds, lack of
family support, and financial challenges within their families may have
an impact on the effective implementation of the curriculum. Students
may originate from an educational context characterized by restricted
resources and limited exposure, resulting in challenges while
attempting to comprehend complex matters. Conversely, the financial
circumstances of their family may impose some constraints on the
educational achievements that students can attain. In rural areas, there
exist disadvantages in terms of educational access when compared to
students residing in urban areas.
Insufficient Facility or Resources

Similar to the previously discussed challenge, this issue is not a
reflection of the teacher's competence. Instead, it is the inadequacy of
support facilities and resources that obstruct teachers in the execution
of the curriculum. They noted that,
"The limited availability of printed teaching materials at school,

especially for English, makes this Independent Learning Model
a bit difficult."
"Yes, the lack of learning resources/books to support learning."
"Lack of LCD facilities in classrooms and WiFi for students."
"Another challenge is that teachers have to find many sources of
learning."
According to the responses provided by teachers in relation to

the open-ended question, it was revealed that a considerable number
458
of schools continue to face challenges in terms of inadequate support,

encompassing both technical resources and educational materials,
which hinders their ability to meet the demands imposed by the
curriculum. Moreover, the curriculum necessitates teachers to exhibit
autonomy in their instructional methods, which presents an additional
problem of identifying appropriate sources that align with the content
and cater to the students' requirements. The effectiveness of
implementing the Kurikulum Merdeka depends upon the careful
consideration and balance of several factors. These variables play a
significant part in defining the efficacy of the curriculum.
Difficulty in Understanding and Applying Differentiated Learning

Differentiated learning is one of the instructional
methodologies that is included in the Kurikulum Merdeka. Concurrently
with this strategy, teachers had challenges in comprehending the
appropriate methodology for its effective implementation within their
classrooms. They stated that,
“The actual implementation of differentiated learning, especially

in English language instruction.”
“My challenge lies within the context of differentiation. So, in
delivering my teaching materials for the English subject, I need
to ensure personal communication to better understand the
interests of the students in the class I'm teaching.”
“Dealing with students having diverse assignments while also
recognizing their different learning styles in practice.”
“The challenge of implementing differentiated instruction in the
classroom according to the content of the Independent
Curriculum, which caters to students' learning needs. In high
school with a large number of classes, it presents challenges and
difficulties to execute differentiated teaching due to the
numerous classes and students, demanding teachers to work
hard and manage their time to facilitate students effectively.”
The results indicate that implementing the differentiated

learning technique poses challenges for teachers, as they must carefully
459
examine these issues. Firstly, the students exhibit diverse interests in

their preferred areas of study. Furthermore, it is important to note that
the pupils exhibit varying preferences in terms of their learning styles.
Moreover, the presence of a significant number of students in a large
classroom setting poses challenges in effectively addressing their
individual requirements continuously. Given the role of the teacher as
a facilitator in implementing differentiated instruction, many teachers
perceive the task of adapting instructional materials, assignments, and
teaching strategies to accommodate diverse student learning
preferences as challenging.
Time Allocation and Management

In conclusion, the prevailing response to the inquiry about the
challenges teachers encounter in implementing Kurikulum Merdeka
concerns time management and allocation. They noted that,
“The division of teaching hours that only receives 2 teaching

hours per week makes it challenging for teachers to maximize
learning, considering the various activity elements that need to
be covered such as reading, listening, speaking, writing, and
others.”
“Teaching hours are excessive if at least 30 hours per week are
required. Students find it difficult to commute back home late in
the afternoon, especially in the highland area with unpredictable
weather.”
“The abundance of administrative tasks consumes teachers'
time, impacting their focus on classroom teaching.”
“Insufficient allocation of learning hours.”
In summary, time poses a formidable challenge for teachers in

implementing the curriculum, regardless of whether it pertains to its
management or allocation. Some educators find it challenging due to a
lack of instructional hours to cover all essential English components for
their students, while others contend with excessively long teaching
hours, impacting students' commuting schedules. Regarding time
management, many teachers struggle to balance their instructional
460
responsibilities with administrative tasks, such as developing learning

modules and creating customized materials to cater to diverse student
needs. These new administrative demands imposed by Kurikulum
Merdeka consume a significant portion of teachers' time.
DISCUSSION
The present study reveals that English teachers face a diverse
array of challenges during the implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka.
This finding provides additional evidence that the curriculum under
investigation exhibits a greater number of shortcomings than initially
anticipated, despite the notable strengths it presents. These
shortcomings from Kurikulum Merdeka may have arisen from the lack
of full cooperation among stakeholders: teachers, the government, and
students. To have a meaningful impact, Kurikulum Merdeka—an
alternative option in the education recovery following the COVID-19
pandemic—requires collaboration from all parties (Ningsih & Adnan,
2023). The aforementioned scenario, wherein educators face difficulties
due to the existing curriculum, has been previously observed. In a
recent study conducted by Putwain and Embse (2020), it was
discovered that a noteworthy correlation exists between the demands
imposed by the curriculum and the self-efficacy of teachers. The study
revealed that teachers experienced a sense of pressure when they were
compelled to adapt to changes in the curriculum. In the context of the
present investigation, it is evident that a significant number of English
teachers lack the necessary preparedness to effectively adapt to the
sudden shift into the Kurikulum Merdeka. Hence, several challenges
emerge.
The results also revealed certain similarities with challenges
observed in previous curriculum reforms in Indonesia. In a
comparative study of Kurikulum Merdeka and Kurikulum 2013, Nuraeni
et al. (2020) identified that the most significant challenge faced by
teachers during the implementation of Kurikulum 2013 was the
difficulty in translating the curriculum into practical application.
Interestingly, this is echoed in the challenges encountered by English
461
teachers in implementing Kurikulum Merdeka, as they found the policy

associated with Kurikulum Merdeka to be excessively complex to
comprehend and subsequently apply in practice. Maodzwa-Tarwiza
and Cross (2019) noted that some educators advocate for sticking to
tried-and-true teaching strategies rather than simply paying lip service
to new regulations. A study by Ningsih and Adnan (2023) aligned with
the findings, specifically regarding the teaching module in Kurikulum
Merdeka, indicating that English pre-service teachers had difficulty
understanding new terms, significantly affecting their preparation
time.
Early implementation of Kurikulum 2013 also had indications of
unreadiness coming from the teachers and the facility needed to
practice (Amin, 2013). As mentioned previously, some schools in rural
areas are having difficulties implementing Kurikulum Merdeka due to
the lack of supporting facilities. Other problems mentioned earlier
include the lack of resources. Many inputs and resources, including
qualified teachers, communicative teaching materials, and financial,
infrastructural, and management facilities, are required for English
learning to be effective from primary through university levels
(Salahuddin, et al., 2013). In Kurikulum Merdeka, the teachers are
expected to develop the materials by themselves. Most of the English
teachers agree that they would need to look through different resources
to support their teaching process in class. The curriculum's rigorous
requirements overlook the varied backgrounds of teachers nationwide,
resulting in adverse consequences for them. The findings correspond
with Ningsih and Adnan (2023), who discovered that English pre-
service teachers lack resources to be adapted into materials for
teaching.
Before Kurikulum 2013, the Kurikulum Tingkat Satuan Pendidikan
2006 (also known as the School-Based Curriculum or KTSP) was
implemented and is believed to share certain similarities with the
Kurikulum Merdeka. The initial implementation of KTSP in Indonesia
was intended to enhance the country's education system (Bulhayat,
462
2019). The initiation of Kurikulum Merdekawas undertaken as a means

to address the educational challenges arising from the COVID-19
pandemic and to enhance the overall educational framework. The
Kurikulum Merdeka is the Indonesian government's response to the
COVID-19 epidemic, which was a catastrophe in education that posed
a major risk (Meke, et al., 2021). When considering the problems at
hand, it appears that the KTSP curriculum faced a comparable dilemma
compared to the Kurikulum Merdeka. According to Uran’s (2018)
research, the Knowledge and Skills Standard Curriculum (KTSP)
encountered a challenge concerning implementing an assessment
system. Teachers were required to consistently utilize this system, yet
they faced difficulties in accurately discerning the individual
characteristics of each student. Consequently, fulfilling this demand
proved to be challenging for the teachers. Another challenge lies in the
expectation for teachers to employ diverse interactive learning
approaches, hindered by their inadequate IT skills and time
constraints.
Comparing these curriculums in Indonesia together has
brought to the conclusion that, teachers' unreadiness to curriculum
reform has always been the core problem of why each curriculum has
the challenges in the first place. As stated by Lin and Chen (2023),
teachers’ lack of innovation knowledge has long been a barrier to
curriculum implementation in Indonesia. Their unprepared state
combined with the high demands from the curriculum, whether it be
administrative or having to integrate technology into their teaching,
made it difficult for them to be compelled to implement the curriculum
successfully. In response to this, the teachers' self-efficacy plays an
important role in determining how ready they are for the changes.
Teacher self-efficacy is a characteristic that is anticipated or required in
educators (Tschannen-Moran & Hoy, 2001). The level of self-efficacy in
teachers shapes how ready they are to face changes and unexpected
challenges that come before them. Psychological conditions, including
teachers' satisfaction, positive attitudes, and passion for their
463
profession, are crucial factors that contribute to self-efficacy beliefs,

impacting teachers' cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes,
which in turn influence their task performance (Kasalak & Dağyar,
2020).
CONCLUSION
In summary, the findings of this survey indicate that a significant
number of English teachers in many parts of Indonesia express a lack
of confidence in their capacity to effectively implement the Kurikulum
Merdeka. The presence of these uncertainties presents significant
challenges for teachers as they navigate the requirements of this new
curriculum. The necessity to completely address present challenges is
underscored by the experiences gained from previous curriculum
implementations in Indonesia. The successful implementation of the
curriculum necessitates the active involvement of all parties involved.
. The success or failure of a curriculum implementation depends upon
the actions of various stakeholders, including teachers, the
government, and students. The study highlights the need for further
support from many stakeholders to enhance the understanding and
competence of English teachers, who serve as the primary subjects of
this research, in effectively implementing the Kurikulum Merdeka.
Additional adjustments and policy reforms are necessary in order to
address the diverse issues encountered by these teachers. In addition,
it is imperative that teachers enhance their self-efficacy levels, as this
factor also influences their performance in implementing the Kurikulum
Merdeka. Given the previously mentioned requirements, it is plausible
that Kurikulum Merdeka possesses the potential to enhance the quality
of education in Indonesia. Furthermore, this curriculum places a strong
emphasis on recognizing and valuing the unique characteristics and
individuality of each student, a noteworthy benefit that should not be
disregarded.
464
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JEELS

(Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies)

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING KURIKULUM MERDEKA

*Fahrani Reza1; Zuliati Rohmah2; Nur Nabilah Abdullah3

Malaysia, Edu Hub Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

Abstract: Indonesia's new Kurikulum Merdeka,

Submission: September 2023, Revision: November 2023, Publication: November 2023

teachers in secondary schools across Indonesia.

Keywords: English teachers, implementation challenges,

academic years. This condition occurs when students encounter

Furthermore, information available on the official website

Therefore, the successful implementation of the Kurikulum

identifying the Core Principles (CP) provided by the central authority

To the best of the researchers' knowledge, no study has been

inspiration from prior scholarly investigations. Subsequently, focus

number of teachers who responded to the questionnaire which

Difficulty in Understanding the Kurikulum Merdeka

Figure 1. The difficulty in understanding Kurikulum Merdeka

Figure 1 gives a clear illustration of whether or not the teachers

implementing the curriculum or in other words applying it in their

“Well, coincidentally, yesterday I happened to be a mentor for the

“There are things that we don't understand, especially for those

“We're asked to design our curriculum, even though we're not

Based on the compiled responses, it can be concluded that

Figure 2. Insufficient IT proficiency

Based on Figure 2, the majority of the respondents (44%)

“Well, the most significant challenge we face at our school is the

“I observe the development, whether it's about smartphones for

The findings from the focus group discussion (FGD) indicate

Difficulty in Translating CP, TP, and ATP in Kurikulum Merdeka

Figure 3. Difficulty in translating CP, TP, and ATP in Kurikulum

Based on Figure 3, most of the respondents (43%) are uncertain

“Perhaps it's only their superficial understanding, you know.

“In the current Kurikulum Merdeka, what's particularly

Based on the findings of the focus group discussion (FGD), it

Difficulty in Creating the Modul Ajar

Figure 4. Difficulty in creating the Modul Ajar

The illustration from Figure 4 shows that most teachers (38%)

Based on the findings from the focus group discussion (FGD)

The Lack of Government Support Resulted in Unprepared Teachers

Figure 5. The lack of government support resulted in

Figure 5 illustrates that most of the respondents (42%) agree that

“Actually, sometimes we take the material from teachers who are

“The socialization exists, but sometimes the explanations haven't

The Other Challenges of Implementing Kurikulum Merdeka

Students’ Background and Financial Constraints

“Economic limitations within families and the student's

Based on the analysis of the open-ended questions in the

Insufficient Facility or Resources

"The limited availability of printed teaching materials at school,

According to the responses provided by teachers in relation to

of schools continue to face challenges in terms of inadequate support,

Difficulty in Understanding and Applying Differentiated Learning

“The actual implementation of differentiated learning, especially

The results indicate that implementing the differentiated

examine these issues. Firstly, the students exhibit diverse interests in

Time Allocation and Management

“The division of teaching hours that only receives 2 teaching

In summary, time poses a formidable challenge for teachers in