The role of industry to unlock the potential of the Merdeka curriculum for vocational school

Abstract

This research focuses on Indonesia’s newly introduced Merdeka (Independent) curriculum for vocational schools (VSs), emphasizing the crucial involvement of the industry in aligning, executing and evaluating the curriculum. The study utilizes a combination of qualitative analysis through a multicase design and quantitative insights using descriptive methodologies. The empirical findings highlight a complex connection between VS and the industry, clarifying the diverse contributions of industrial players. The importance of the industry is initially demonstrated through curriculum synchronization, which includes the submission of competence designs, the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the precise alignment of competencies with industry requirements. Afterward, the industry promotes curriculum adoption by cultivating a 5S work culture through seminars, workplace assistance, and reinforcement of essential work character traits. Moreover, the industry’s assessment of the Merdeka curriculum implementation is considered vital, covering areas such as collaboration, education and the quality of work produced. This study enhances curriculum management research by revealing the dynamic connection between vocational education and industry stakeholders. It offers insights into the collaborative and transformational processes that influence vocational education.

Keywords:

• Merdeka curriculum
• vocational school
• curriculum implementation
• curriculum evaluation

Reviewing Editor:

• John Chiang, Communication and Media, State University of New York, New York, USA

Subjects:

• Curriculum Studies
• Curriculum
• Vocational Education

Acknowledgments

Thank you to DIKTI and Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) for supporting this research.

Author contributions

All authors have equal contributions to the paper. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

None decalred.

Data availability statement

Data are available on request from the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi, Riset, dan Teknologi (DIKTI).

Notes on contributors

Yoto

Yoto is working as a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Negeri Malang. He is a member of the Technology and Vocational Education Research Group and has research interests in Technology and Vocational Education Management. He can be reached at [email protected]

Marsono

Marsono is working as a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Negeri Malang. He joins the Technology and Vocational Education Research Group with research interests in Technology and Vocational Education Learning. He can be reached at [email protected]

Agus Suyetno

Agus Suyetno is working as a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Negeri Malang. He joins the Technology and Vocational Education Research Group, which has research interests in the Technology and Vocational Education Curriculum. He can be reached at [email protected]

Puteri Ardista Nursisda Mawangi

Puteri Ardista Nursisda Mawangi is working as a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Negeri Malang. Joins the Technology and Vocational Education Research Group with research interests in the Technology and Vocational Education Curriculum. She can be reached at [email protected]

Achmad Romadin

Achmad Romadin research interests are in Mechanical Engineering Education and Technology and Vocational Education. He can be reached at [email protected]

Paryono

Paryono is working as a lecturer at SEAMEO VOCTECH, Brunei Darussalam, with research interests in Vocational education. He can be reached at [email protected]