MODEL INOVASI KURIKULUM DI ABAD KE-21: STUDI PERBANDINGAN ANTARA SISTEM PENDIDIKAN MALAYSIA DAN INDONESIA

Muhamad Fauzan, Dedi Hermon, Febriandi Febriandi, Erianjoni Erianjoni

Abstract


The development of 21st century education requires curriculum innovation that responds to globalization, technological advancement, and the need for skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. This study aims to analyze curriculum innovation models, learning approaches, teacher roles, as well as inhibiting factors and philosophical foundations in Indonesia and Malaysia. A qualitative comparative method with an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design was applied, involving teachers, principals, and education stakeholders selected through purposive sampling, with data collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. The findings show that Malaysia emphasizes Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) through structured systems such as KSSR and KSSM, supported by strong institutional mentoring, while Indonesia promotes flexibility through the Merdeka Curriculum and Project-Based Learning via the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). Both countries apply inquiry, analytical, and product-based learning models to strengthen 4C competencies, although implementation in Indonesia tends to be less consistent due to variations in teacher readiness and infrastructure. The role of teachers in both contexts has shifted toward facilitators, yet Malaysia demonstrates more structured support through coaching, mentoring, and counseling systems. Key challenges in both countries include large class sizes, diverse student abilities, and gaps between policy and practice. The study concludes that curriculum innovation in both countries shares similar goals but differs in systemic support and implementation consistency, highlighting the need for stronger teacher capacity development and contextual policy adaptation to ensure effective 21st century learning.

Keywords


curriculum innovation, 21st century skills, Indonesia and Malaysia comparative study

Full Text:

PDF

References


Alhayat, A., Mukhidin, M., Utami, T. A., & Yustikarini, R. (2023). The Relevance of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Learning Model with “Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar.” DWIJA CENDEKIA Jurnal Riset Pedagogik, 7(1), 105. https://doi.org/10.20961/jdc.v7i1.69363

Anggraini, A. T., Afiyah, A. N., Milosopa, E., Widiastari, N. G. A. P., Henlong, T., & Fitri, S. A. (2026). Analisis Perbandingan Kurikulum Indonesia dan Negara Maju dalam Konteks Kualitas Pembelajaran. LEARNING Jurnal Inovasi Penelitian Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran, 6(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.51878/learning.v6i1.8900

Asror, M., Mahfudloh, R. I., & Kusaeri, K. (2023). Educational innovation of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia and Malaysia in facing the 21st century challenges. Tarbiyatuna Journal.

Atana, Y., & Ansori, I. (2025). Analisis Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka melalui Model Project Based Learning (PjBL) dalam Pembelajaran IPAS Kelas V SD Negeri 4 Gumiwang. SCIENCE Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Matematika Dan IPA, 5(3), 1487. https://doi.org/10.51878/science.v5i3.6929

Cholilah, M., Tatuwo, A. G. P., Komariah, K., & Rosdiana, S. P. (2023). Pengembangan Kurikulum Merdeka dalam Satuan Pendidikan serta Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka pada Pembelajaran Abad 21. Sanskara Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 1(2), 56. https://doi.org/10.58812/spp.v1i02.110

Chun, T. C., & Abdullah, M. N. L. Y. (2019). The Teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in Malaysian Schools: Policy and Practices. Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Management, 7(3), 1. https://doi.org/10.22452/mojem.vol7no3.1

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Damanik, R., & Hamdani, M. R. F. (2025). Assessment and Comparison of Indonesian Curriculum with Malaysia, Singapore, China, Korea, Japan, United States, and Finland. Jurnal STKIP Budidaya. https://jurnalstkipbudidaya.ac.id/index.php/jurnal/article/view/XXXX

Darmawan, A. W., & Wijayanti, A. (2025). Skills-Based Curriculum is an Innovative Way to Respond to the Demands of Globalization. Edunesia Journal. https://edunesia.org/index.php/edu/article/view/1102

Dewi, L., Susilana, R., Setiawan, B., Alias, N., & Zulnaidi, H. (2023). A Proposed Problem-Centered Thinking Skill (PCTS) Model at Secondary Schools in Indonesia and Malaysia. International Journal of Instruction, 16(3), 615. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2023.16333a

Dewi, M. R. (2022). Kelebihan dan Kekurangan Project-based Learning untuk Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila Kurikulum Merdeka. Inovasi Kurikulum, 19(2), 213. https://doi.org/10.17509/jik.v19i2.44226

Effendi-Hasibuan, M. H., Harizon, Ngatijo, N., & Mukminin, A. (2019). The Inquiry-based Teaching Instruction (IbTI) in Indonesian Secondary Education: What Makes Science Teachers Successful Enact the Curriculum? Journal of Turkish Science Education, 16(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.12973/tused.10263a

Fadhilah, M. N., Fawaid, A., & Basyirah, R. S. (2024). Comparison of character education in the education curriculum in Indonesia and Malaysia. Ibtida Journal.

Fitrian, L. (2024). Perspektif Kontemporer terhadap Kurikulum dan Pengajaran: Tantangan dan Inovasi dalam Era Pendidikan Modern. Jurnal Inovasi Global, 2(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.58344/jig.v2i1.44

Hamilaturroyya, H., & Adibah, S. (2025). Transformasi digital dan pengembangan kurikulum adaptif dalam pembelajaran abad ke-21. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan, 14(1), 21–33.

Harianto, J. E. (2024). Development of Competency-Based Curriculum to Prepare Students for Global Challenges. Asian Journal of Management Research. https://jujurnal.com/index.php/ajmr/article/view/36

Heryahya, A., Herawati, E. S. B., Susandi, A. D., & Zulaiha, F. (2022). Analisis Kesiapan Guru Sekolah Dasar dalam Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka. Journal of Education and Instruction (JOEAI), 5(2), 548. https://doi.org/10.31539/joeai.v5i2.4826

Indarta, Y., Jalinus, N., Waskito, W., Samala, A. D., Riyanda, A. R., & Adi, N. H. (2022). Relevansi Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar dengan Model Pembelajaran Abad 21 dalam Perkembangan Era Society 5.0. EDUKATIF JURNAL ILMU PENDIDIKAN, 4(2), 3011. https://doi.org/10.31004/edukatif.v4i2.2589

Ismail, M. H., Salleh, M. F. M., & Nasir, N. A. M. (2019). The Issues and Challenges in Empowering STEM on Science Teachers in Malaysian Secondary Schools. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 9(13). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v9-i13/6869

Kendon, M., & Anselmo, L. (2022). Instructional design through SAMR and TPACK integration: A roadmap for digital transformation in classrooms. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 51(1), 24–38. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472395221078533

Khalaf, B. K. (2018). Traditional and Inquiry-Based Learning Pedagogy: A Systematic Critical Review. International Journal of Instruction, 11(4), 545. https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2018.11434a

Kurniati, P., Kelmaskouw, A. L., Deing, A., Bonin, B., & Haryanto, B. A. (2022). Model Proses Inovasi Kurikulum Merdeka Implikasinya Bagi Siswa dan Guru Abad 21. Jurnal Citizenship Virtues, 2(2), 408. https://doi.org/10.37640/jcv.v2i2.1516

Latifah, L., Rahmawati, R., & Nugroho, A. (2025). Inovasi pedagogi berbasis teknologi untuk menyiapkan peserta didik menghadapi dunia kerja digital. Jurnal Pendidikan Modern, 9(2), 112–124.

Lee, N. A. A., Tazijan, F. N., & Adam, A. F. M. (2025). Comparative Analysis of Digital Literacy and 21st-Century Skills among University Graduates in Malaysia and Indonesia. Journal of Nusantara Studies.

Li, W. S. S., & Arshad, M. Y. (2015). Inquiry Practices in Malaysian Secondary Classroom and Model of Inquiry Teaching based on Verbal Interaction. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 12. https://doi.org/10.32890/mjli.12.2015.7684

Ndari, W., Suyatno, S., Sukirman, S., & Mahmudah, F. N. (2023). Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and Its Challenges. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 4(3), 111. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2023.4.3.648

Nurdyansyah, F., Muflihati, I., Ujianti, R. M. D., Novita, M., Kusumo, H., Mujiono, M., & Ryan, J. (2022). Indonesian Character Building Strategy: Planning the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project in Kurikulum Merdeka. KnE Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i19.12456

Ong, E. T., Keok, B. L., Yingprayoon, J., Singh, C. K. S., Borhan, M. T., & Tho, S. W. (2020). The Effect of 5E Inquiry Learning Model on the Science Achievement in the Learning of “Magnet” among Year 3 Students. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i1.21330

Papagiannis, D., & Pallaris, E. (2024). From substitution to redefinition: Evaluating digital pedagogy practices in secondary education. Interactive Learning Environments, 32(2), 255–270. https://doi.org/10.2458/itlt.5440

Paringadi, D., & Timan, A. (2024). Comparison of education policy systems in Indonesia and Malaysia – future challenges and opportunities. UM Conference Proceedings.

Pietkiewicz, I., & Smith, J. A. (2014). A practical guide to using interpretative phenomenological analysis in qualitative research psychology. Czasopismo Psychologiczne Psychological Journal, 20(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.14691/CPPJ.20.1.7

Ramadani, A. S., Supardi, Z. A. I., Tukiran, T., & Hariyono, E. (2021). Profile of Analytical Thinking Skills Through Inquiry-Based Learning in Science Subjects. Studies in Learning and Teaching, 2(3), 45. https://doi.org/10.46627/silet.v2i3.83

Rismana, N., & Hernawati, S. (2025). Pengembangan Kurikulum di Indonesia dalam Menghadapi Tuntutan Abad Ke-21. Al-I Tibar Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.30599/sxrd6x96

Saputra, D., Simanjuntak, R. E., Sinulingga, W. A., & Koto, I. (2025). Perbandingan Paradigma Kurikulum Sains di Indonesia dan Spanyol: Struktur, Pendekatan, dan Inovasi Pembelajaran Abad Ke-21. Jurnal Penelitian Inovatif, 5(2), 1569. https://doi.org/10.54082/jupin.1451

Sasanti, W., Hemtasin, C., & Thongsuk, T. (2024). The Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Learning to Improve the Analytical Thinking Skills of Sixth-Grade Elementary School Students. Anatolian Journal of Education, 9(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2024.913a

Shidiq, A. S., & Nasrudin, D. (2020). The Elementary Teacher Readiness toward STEM-Based Contextual Learning in 21st Century Era. İlköğretim Online, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2021.01.019

Silva, H. M. (2025). Smartphones, social media, and the role of the teacher: Impacts on learning, mental health, and the fight against scientific misinformation. Journal of Pedagogical and Teacher Professional Development, 2(1), 203–221. https://doi.org/10.35719/jptpd.v2i1.959

Supardi, S., Idris, A., Nurhayati, N., & Fauzi, A. (2025). Transformasi Pendidikan Era Globalisasi: Inovasi Kurikulum, Teknologi, Peran Guru, dan Fokus Pengembangan Potensi Siswa. SOCIAL Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPS, 5(1), 258. https://doi.org/10.51878/social.v5i1.4890

Tsuraya, F. G., Azzahra, N., Azahra, S., & Maharani, S. P. (2022). Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka dalam Sekolah Penggerak. Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Budaya, 1(1), 179. https://doi.org/10.55606/jpbb.v1i1.860

Utari, D., & Afendi, A. R. (2022). Implementation of Pancasila Student Profile in Elementary School Education with Project-Based Learning Approach. EduLine Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 2(4), 456. https://doi.org/10.35877/454ri.eduline1280

Wahono, B., Lin, P.-L., & Chang, C. (2020). Evidence of STEM enactment effectiveness in Asian student learning outcomes. International Journal of STEM Education, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00236-1

Yulianti, Y. A., & Wulandari, D. (2021). Flipped Classroom : Model Pembelajaran untuk Mencapai Kecakapan Abad 21 Sesuai Kurikulum 2013. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian Dan Kajian Kepustakaan Di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran Dan Pembelajaran, 7(2), 372. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v7i2.3209




DOI: https://doi.org/10.30601/dedikasi.v10i2.7851

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.



sintagoogle-scholaronesearchgarudaPKPcrossref 

Creative Commons License
Jurnal Dedikasi Pendidikan oleh LPPM Universitas Abulyatama disebarluaskan di bawah Lisensi Creative Commons Atribusi 4.0 Internasional.

Berdasarkan ciptaan pada http://jurnal.abulyatama.ac.id/index.php/dedikasi.