On July 18, 2024, the Indonesian Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Nadiem Makarim, announced the removal of majors (Sciences, Social Studies, Language) that were previously applied in high schools. This change is part of the ongoing implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka (Merdeka Curriculum), which began in 2021.
In an Instagram post, Kemendikbudristek highlighted the new policy’s emphasize on student autonomy. Instead of being restricted to traditional majors, students can now “concoct” their own personalized course selections based on individual interests and career goals.
Goodnewsfromindonesia.id reported that abolishing majors gives students more freedom to explore their interests and abilities. They are no longer limited to a specific set of subjects but still have compulsory subjects to choose from, which include:
For example, aspiring engineers can focus on advanced math and physics without being required to take biology. They also have the flexibility to combine these subjects with courses in social studies, languages, and life skills based on their personal preferences and career goals.
According to CNNIndonesia.com, State High School 36 Jakarta in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, has implemented this major-less policy since the 2022/2023 academic year.
Imas Hujaimah, Vice Principal for Academic Affairs, explained that the school assesses students’ subject interests in two levels, phases E and F.
For first grade, the educational journey begins with Phase E, where the curriculum is predetermined. The school subsequently administered psychological tests to help students discover their passions and strengths. The freedom to choose elective subjects tailored to their specialization comes later, in second grade, during Phase F.
In an interview with CNN Indonesia on July 23, Imas explained, “School counselors have been introducing the new policy since the beginning of the school year. Tenth graders are guided through the subject selection process in their second semester.”
As 10th grade students transition to 11th grade, they can select their preferred subjects through an online form. While there is flexibility to change these choices during 11th grade, students should know that their subject selections will be finalized once they reach 12th grade.
The removal of majors is also seen as a step towards breaking down the long-standing stigma associated with different fields of study. While many parents still consider that science majors are superior, this new policy aims to level the playing field. However, the change has sparked debate among educators, with many emphasizing the need for schools to be equipped to support a wider range of student interests rather than simply pigeonholing them into three categories.
Dr. Main Sufanti, a lecturer at the UMS Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, supports the removal of high school majors. She believes the previous system has restricted students’ ability to explore their full potential.
“However, several points need to be carefully considered,” Main cautioned on Monday (7/29/2024).
Main outlined two crucial aspects for the successful implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka. Firstly, the curriculum must be designed to adhere to high flexibility while maintaining a clear structure. This is essential to prevent students from feeling overwhelmed when choosing elective subjects. Secondly, intensive support from teachers and counselors is needed to guide students in identifying their interests and talents.
The UMS education expert believes that abolishing majors must be accompanied by significant improvements in teacher training and development. Teachers must receive ongoing training to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the Kurikulum Merdeka.
“Teachers must be skilled in guiding students to choose the right subjects,” Main emphasized. “This is a critical point that requires immediate attention.”
Amidst the enthusiasm surrounding the new policy, concerns have been raised about the government’s decision to prohibit schools from hiring honorary teachers. Main believes that honorary teachers, particularly young ones, play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka.
Young honorary teachers tend to be more adaptable to the ongoing transformations in education. They are deemed quicker to grasp new technology and learning methods implemented in the Kurikulum Merdeka.
“This prohibition will exacerbate the challenges faced by schools that are already short-staffed, it will make it increasingly difficult for them to find enough competent teachers to meet the demands of the Kurikulum Merdeka,” she explained.
Without a sufficient number of teachers, the smooth implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka would be at risk. This concern is particularly relevant to the plan to abolish majors in high school, which could lead to a wider array of subject choices and consequently increase the demand for teachers.
“If schools are unable to recruit honorary teachers, it will be difficult for them to assemble the diverse and qualified teaching staff necessary for the Kurikulum Merdeka, this issue is particularly pressing in schools that are already understaffed. In some regions, the number of teachers retiring is outpacing the number of new teachers,” said Main.
Tempo.co reported that Budi Awaluddin, the Head of the DKI Jakarta Education Department, said that the number of teachers retiring over the past five years has outpaced the number of new teachers hired.
“In the last five years, the number of teachers retiring in Jakarta has ranged from 1,900 to 2,500,” Budi told Tempo via text message on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Budi Awaluddin also stated that Jakarta is currently short of around 7,000 teachers. Due to budget limitations, the government can only address this shortage gradually. As a first step, they plan to open registration for individual work contracts, known as KKI, with a quota of 1,700 positions in August.
Speaking as both an educator and a mother, Main highlights the role of families and society in ensuring smooth implementation of the new policy. She believes that families and communities are the primary and most influential educational institutions for children.
“Character education and motivation from parents will significantly impact the readiness and success of students in navigating the Kurikulum Merdeka,” said Main.
Families should be the moral compass for their children and provide them with proper guidance.
“As a mother, I realize that communication with children is very important. This helps children recognize their interests and talents, which in turn gives them the confidence to explore knowledge that aligns with their career plans.” added Main
The synergy between parents, communities, and schools is essential. These elements act as guides, ensuring students make informed choices about subjects that align with their interests and abilities.
“While the removal of majors is a groundbreaking step for education in Indonesia, we must be vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges that may arise during its implementation,” she concluded.
Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati
Editor: Gede Arga Adrian
Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid
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