Between Structure and Flexibility: A Comparative Analysis of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum in Early Childhood Education

  • Asmila Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo, Indonesia
  • Edi Wahyono Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo, Indonesia
  • Hadi Pajarianto Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo, Indonesia
  • Harmita Sari Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53769/deiktis.v6i2.3442
Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Merdeka Curriculum, 2013 Curriculum, Early Childhood Learning, Comparative Study

Abstract

In Indonesian Early Childhood Education (ECE/PAUD), curriculum policy change necessitates that educational institutions modify their methods for instructional planning, execution, and evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the 2013 Curriculum (K13) and the Merdeka Curriculum are implemented differently in ECE and to establish their consequences for the evolution of learning practices at TKIT Insan Madani, Palopo City. This study uses a qualitative approach with literature review and comparative document analysis methods. Data sources consist of official government regulations on ECE and curriculum, guidelines for foundational phase learning outcomes, and relevant scholarly articles published between 2018 and 2025. The review's findings indicate that K13 is more structured and administrative, with an emphasis on comprehensive instructional planning and rigorously documented authentic assessments. In contrast, the Merdeka Curriculum is more adaptable and child-centered, emphasising meaningful play, project-based learning, and formative evaluation as integral components of the learning process. Nevertheless, the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum still faces challenges related to teacher readiness, conceptual understanding, resource availability, and communication with parents. This article concludes that the comparison of the two curricula is important as a basis for ECE institutions to develop contextual and adaptive curriculum transition models while maintaining the quality of early childhood education services.

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References

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Published
2026-05-28
How to Cite
Asmila, Wahyono, E., Pajarianto, H., & Sari, H. (2026). Between Structure and Flexibility: A Comparative Analysis of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum in Early Childhood Education. DEIKTIS: Jurnal Pendidikan, Bahasa Dan Sastra, 6(2), 1866-1871. https://doi.org/10.53769/deiktis.v6i2.3442
Issue
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)
Section
Articles

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