The Study of The Implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka in Higher Education and Its Effects on Promoting Local Job Opportunities in Northern Sulawesi

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka in Higher Education and its effects on promoting local job opportunities in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Through the current curriculum, Kurikulum Merdeka, three out of eight main programs have been chosen; entrepreneurship, internship and village development, to examine how these initiatives could impact to a key potential business sector in North Sulawesi, tourism. The analysis reveals that Kurikulum Merdeka holds promise for enhancing local job opportunities by emphasizing flexibility and critical thinking through a critical pedagogy and curriculum development approach. However, there are challenges, such as the neglect of foundational skills, gaps in the fields of local employment and shortages of the required stakeholder’s collaboration, convener and skills audit concepts. By understanding its natural resources, local potentials, collaboration, skills development through Kurikulum Merdeka initiatives, North Sulawesi could unlock its full potential and ensure regional development.

Keywords: Kurikulum Merdeka, Local Job Opportunities, Stakeholder’s Collaboration, Convener