Sinkronisasi Kurikulum Pendidikan Islam dengan Kurikulum Merdeka: Peluang dan Tantangan

Abstract

This article explores the synchronization between the Islamic Education Curriculum (Kurikulum Pendidikan Islam/KPI) and the Merdeka Curriculum, a newly implemented national framework in Indonesia that emphasizes flexibility, character development, and student-centered learning. The study highlights that both curricula share common foundational values, particularly the alignment between Islamic principles such as faith, morality, justice, and social responsibility and the dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile promoted in the Merdeka Curriculum. This alignment creates significant opportunities for integrating Islamic values into modern pedagogical practices, including differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and digital-based learning innovations. However, the process of synchronization faces several challenges. These include disparities in teacher competence, limited infrastructure, diverse interpretations of curriculum implementation, heavy administrative burdens, and gaps between theoretical ideals and practical classroom realities. These obstacles indicate the need for stronger teacher preparation, adequate learning resources, and supportive institutional policies. To address these issues, the article offers several strategic recommendations: continuous teacher training in designing Islamic value–based CP, ATP, and teaching modules; development of integrative learning models combining Islamic Education with project-based approaches; collaborative involvement between school, family, and community; provision of digital Islamic learning resources; and sustainable monitoring and evaluation by educational institutions. Overall, this article concludes that effective synchronization between KPI and the Merdeka Curriculum requires holistic planning, professional development, strong partnerships, and adaptable learning ecosystems. When implemented optimally, this integration has the potential to produce students who are religiously grounded, morally upright, intellectually competent, and capable of navigating global