Integrating Character Education and Global Citizenship in the Merdeka Curriculum: A Systematic Review of Challenges and Strategies

Ariani Songli; Suyato Suyato; Ranita Eka Desti Rahmawati; Maria Antoneta Karbeka; Wingkolatin Wingkolatin

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i3.1548

Authors

Ariani Songli Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Suyato Suyato Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Ranita Eka Desti Rahmawati Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Maria Antoneta Karbeka Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Wingkolatin Wingkolatin Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i3.1548

Keywords:

Character Education , Global Citizenship , Merdeka Curriculum , Pancasila , Systematic Review

Abstract

This study examines how character education and global citizenship education are integrated into Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum and identifies the main implementation challenges and strategies. Using a systematic literature review, the study analyzed ten Scopus-indexed articles published between 2020 and 2025 through thematic analysis. The findings show that the Merdeka Curriculum integrates character education through the Pancasila Student Profile, project-based learning, and contextual activities, while global citizenship is introduced through themes such as climate change, poverty, social inequality, cultural diversity, and digital citizenship. Three dominant issues emerge: limited teacher readiness, unequal digital infrastructure, and difficulty aligning global perspectives with local and national values. The review concludes that successful implementation requires continuous teacher professional development, stronger digital support, and more contextual curriculum design that connects global issues with local realities without weakening Pancasila-based identity and student character formation in everyday school practice at all levels of Indonesian education today and beyond sustainably.

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Author Biographies

Ariani Songli, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

She was born in Samarinda, Indonesia, on October 2, 2002. She earned her Bachelor's degree (S1) in Civic Education from Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL), Samarinda, in 2025. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Civic Education at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY).

Suyato Suyato, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

He was born on June 16, 1967. He is a Professor at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta State University), Indonesia. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Pancasila and Citizenship Education (PMP-KN) from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta in 1993, followed by a Master's degree in Social Studies Education from the same university in 2006. He received his Doctoral degree from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta in 2022 and was subsequently appointed as a Professor.

Ranita Eka Desti Rahmawati, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

She was born in Bantul, Indonesia, on December 8, 2001. She received her Bachelor's degree in Civic Education from Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta (UPY), Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2025. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Civic Education at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), Indonesia.

Maria Antoneta Karbeka, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

She was born in Malangwi, Indonesia, on June 27, 2001. She received her Bachelor's degree in Civic Education from Universitas Nusa Cendana (UNDANA), Kupang, Indonesia, in 2023. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Civic Education at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), Indonesia.

Wingkolatin Wingkolatin, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

She was born on May 12, 1964. She is a Lecturer in the Department of Civic Education at Universitas Mulawarman, Indonesia. She received her Bachelor's degree in Pancasila and Civic Education from Universitas Mulawarman and earned her Master of Science (M.Si.) degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada in 2000.

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