Transformation Of ^Merdeka Belajar^: A Study Of Strategies and Challenges of Downstreaming Higher Education in Indonesia (Case Study of PPKn Study Program in Indonesia)
Yogi Nugraha, Lusiana Rahmatiani, Nadya Putri Saylendra

Universitas Buana Perjuangan Karawang

Abstract

This study emphasizes the importance of changes in higher education towards the concept of ^Merdeka Belajar^ in Indonesia, focusing on a case study of the PPKn Study Program. This concept offers flexibility to students to organize their educational paths according to their interests and talents. The purpose of this study is to examine the strategies implemented by universities in realizing ^Merdeka Belajar^ and to identify the obstacles that arise in this change process. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through interviews with heads of study programs, lecturers, and students from various PPKn Study Programs in Indonesia. The analysis aims to assess the strategies implemented and identify the obstacles that arise. The results show that the strategies used by several universities in implementing Independent Learning are very diverse. Various methods used are direct socialization to students, socialization to student organizations, inviting alumni participants of Independent Learning to share experiences with their juniors, and speeches from leaders during seminars and public lectures. Another strategy is to invite representatives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology to present the Independent Learning program. Thus, this becomes a more sustainable education policy, and helps improve the quality of higher education in Indonesia to be more in line with the needs of the times. This study provides deeper insight into the process of higher education transformation in Indonesia, and contributes to improving the quality and relevance of higher education in facing global challenges and overcoming the problem of learning loss in Indonesia.

Keywords: Educational Change- Independent Learning- Strategies and Obstacles- Educational Transformation- PPKn Study Program

Topic: Innovations in Civic Education and Policy