Optimizing the Merdeka Curriculum in Islamic Religious Education Learning: Implementation Study and Challenges

This study aims to examine how the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum is carried out at SMA Negeri 1 Wuryantoro in the learning of Islamic Religious Education and Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). This study uses qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Data collection was carried out by conducting observations, interviews, and document studies. Data analysis techniques using the Miles and Huberman techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions drawn. The findings at SMA Negeri 1 Wuryantoro show that the method that is often used is the group discussion method. In addition, there are also P5 activities, which are school programs in the Merdeka Curriculum. This P5 is carried out to realize creativity, cooperation, new ideas, responsibility, and good socialization in students. In addition, there are also challenges or problems faced by Islamic Religious Education teachers in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum, namely four issues, including: Students cannot read the Qur'an yet, textbooks are limited, students are lazy to do assignments, and students are lazy to pray. The overall implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at SMA Negeri 1 Wuryantoro is quite good, but there are still several challenges that need strategic solutions.