Merdeka Belajar

Merdeka Belajar

Student graduation is measured by exam results, teachers who are more busy taking care of class administration than making  fun teaching, make the minister of education make changes in the world of education with the term freedom of learning. Merdeka Belajar is one of Nadiem Makarim initiative programs that wants to create a happy learning atmosphere, both for students and teachers. At the Joint Coordination Meeting of the Provincial and District or City Education Offices in Jakarta on December 11, 2019, Mr. Nadiem explained Overall, the Merdeka Belajar consists of four important issues, namely the replacement of the national exam (UN) format, the return of authority on the national standard school exams (USBN) to schools, the learning implementation plan (RPP) which is only one sheet, and the zoning in New Student Admissions (PPDB) is more flexible. But from the other side Merdeka Belajar is not only in the classroom, it can answer the teacher's questions, dreaming is limited to pointing the hand when given a question, but Merdeka Belajar is to have a soul and ideals beyond the sky that transcends classrooms and world boundaries,and... this will happen if a person educators have independence in teaching.

The first, the replacement of the national exam (UN) format, UN will be remove…,UN  will be remove, wow ... this is good news for students and parents. Because so far the UN is considered to be a burden on students, teachers and parents because it is an indicator of student success as an individual. So learning is no longer chasing the forced target, learning takes time, learning to create various innovations, all students need different things from the teacher. Then the competence of students is not measured by the UN score. Competence is not individual but competence grows with the environment. Therefore in 2020,  UN will be held the last time. In its place, in 2021,  was changed to the Minimum Competency Assessment and Character Survey.

The second, the return of authority in the national standard school exams (USBN) to schools, the same as the UN at junior and senior high school level, USBN will also be abolished at the elementary level. In 2020 USBN will be replaced with an examination (assessment) held only by school. That way, teachers and schools are more independent in assessing student learning outcomes. Where the exam is in the form of written tests and or other more comprehensive forms of assessment. Such as portfolios and assignments (group work, paperwork and so on).

The third, the learning implementation plan (RPP) which is only one sheet. RPP is only one sheet, it means that the RPP is shortened. From which previously had to follow a predetermined format and spent a lot of time to compile it, now the teacher is free to prepare his RPP. So that the writing of lesson plans is done efficiently and effectively which makes the teacher have time to prepare and evaluate the learning process itself. Teachers can be more active in paying attention and interacting more with their students. So hopefully no more boring learning. There are no more teachers who only give assignments and sit on their chairs throughout the lesson.

Lastly, zoning in New Student Admissions (PPDB) is more flexible. According to Nadiem, the composition of the PPDB zoning pathway can accept students at least 50 percent, affirmation paths at least 15 percent, and a maximum transfer path of 5 percent. For the achievement path or the remaining 0-30 percent is adjusted to the regional conditions. However the Region has the authority to determine the final proportions and determine zoning areas.

From this it can be concluded that "Merdeka Belajar" gives full freedom to schools and teachers in providing interesting learning to students, in developing student talent. No longer charged with certain achievements or certain targets. And of course the teacher must adapt quickly to existing changes. Because the teacher is the key to the success of Merdeka Belajar.

Hopefully later we are able to educate students creatively until they are able to have the potential in their respective fields.