"The focus of the Merdeka Curriculum is deepening, not speed so that there are no more teachers who are rushed to finish (learning) materials due to having so many materials that must be covered and mastered," he explained.
Makarim made the statement virtually at the peak of the Merdeka Curriculum Festival held here on Tuesday.
This is because the curriculum has been devised to address the learning crisis that has been occurring for a long time and the learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
To this end, the curriculum has been formulated to focus on learning materials that are more essential, fun, and relevant, and prioritize the development of students' competency.
He noted that the Merdeka Curriculum is adaptive and can be used in various conditions, in line with the situation at educational units, so teachers can design learning freely.
The Merdeka Curriculum's focus on students' needs is also a plus point that sets it apart from the previous curriculums implemented in the country.
"Every Indonesian child has the right to get learning that is of much higher quality, so much more fun, and so much more meaningful," he said.
The minister encouraged all stakeholders to share good practices and bolster mutual cooperation in massively implementing the Merdeka Curriculum.
"The inspirational stories are expected to be able to encourage teachers to develop learning that is innovative and create a space for students to develop their interests and potentials," he remarked.
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Translator: Astrid Faidlatul, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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