Implementation of Independent Curriculum in Christian Religious Learning at Wamena Christian High School Through Deep Learning Approach

Abstract

This study aims to explore the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Christian Religious Education (PAK) at SMA Kristen Wamena through a deep learning approach that emphasizes critical understanding and character formation aligned with Christian values. The Merdeka Curriculum, as a transformative policy from the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, promotes flexibility and autonomy in teaching and learning processes, including religious education. This research employs a qualitative method through library research, analyzing relevant literature on curriculum design, Christian pedagogy, and educational practices in secondary schools. The findings reveal that Christian education teachers at SMA Kristen Wamena actively design lesson plans (RPP) that reflect the "Profil Pelajar Pancasila" and focus on nurturing students’ attitudes, moral character, and spiritual growth. The learning process is designed to be interactive, reflective, and continuously evaluated. Supporting factors for the curriculum implementation include teachers' readiness in terms of competence and commitment to educational transformation. On the other hand, key challenges include limited resources, disparities in digital access, and insufficient teaching experience with independent learning approaches. This study highlights that the successful implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in the context of Christian education heavily depends on the teacher's role as a transformative agent and spiritual mentor.