Kurikulum Merdeka Pembelajaran Mendalam Dan Diferensiensi Pendidikan Agama Islam (Pai)

The *Kurikulum Merdeka* (Emancipated Curriculum) is an educational approach that grants greater autonomy to schools, teachers, and students in designing, managing, and evaluating the learning process. Despite its many advantages—as discussed in a previous article—the implementation of *Kurikulum Merdeka* also faces a number of challenges and shortcomings that warrant consideration. This article employs a library research methodology, drawing data from diverse sources such as books and journal articles relevant to the topic. The study's findings indicate that *Kurikulum Merdeka* is an initiative launched by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to address the learning crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The curriculum is designed to provide more flexible and varied learning experiences, enabling students to explore ideas and develop their skills. By granting teachers the freedom to select teaching resources, *Kurikulum Merdeka* aims to tailor education to the interests and learning needs of each student. Introduced in 2019 by the Minister of Education and Culture, Nadiem Makarim, *Kurikulum Merdeka* replaces the 2013 Curriculum and emphasizes student independence in acquiring information from various sources, both formal and informal. It also focuses on developing students' potential and character in alignment with the *Profil Pelajar Pancasila* (Pancasila Student Profile). An education system centered on autonomy aims to foster student awareness and encourage the development of independent, responsible individuals. Furthermore, teachers are encouraged to engage in professional networks to advance their careers. Strategies include grouping students based on ability, adapting content, and employing diverse teaching methods suited to students' learning styles. Assessment within this differentiated learning framework is formative and authentic, moving beyond a reliance on traditional examinations. Therefore, teachers are expected to develop materials suited to students' varying levels of understanding, providing appropriate challenges for more capable students and additional support for those requiring assistance. Through this approach, it is hoped that the goals of religious education can be achieved in a more inclusive and relevant manner.