The Contribution of the Merdeka Curriculum in Shaping Human-Centric Skills (A Systematic Literature Review 2021-2026)
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Abstract
The development of artificial intelligence has driven a shift in competency needs, moving from traditional cognitive skills toward human-centric skills: competencies that emphasize creativity, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, which are difficult for technology to replicate. The Merdeka Curriculum is expected to prepare learners with competencies relevant to future needs. This study aims to explore the role of the Merdeka Curriculum in shaping human-centric skills through a systematic literature review (SLR). This study employed the PRISMA guidelines by searching articles indexed in the Scopus and ERIC databases published during the 2021–2026 period. Of the 112 articles identified, 31 articles met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. The synthesis results indicate that the Merdeka Curriculum contributes significantly to the development of human-centric skills through the implementation of the Project for Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5). The most dominantly developed dimensions are creativity and problem-solving, followed by collaboration and communication, and emotional intelligence. Nevertheless, the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum still faces challenges related to teachers' readiness and pedagogical adaptation. On the other hand, this curriculum opens significant opportunities for creating a learning ecosystem relevant to workforce demands, technological development, and the sustainable strengthening of character education from early childhood education (PAUD) through higher education. These findings affirm that the Merdeka Curriculum holds a strategic role in preparing adaptive and competitive human resources in the era of a knowledge- and artificial intelligence-based economy.
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