Pentingnya Profesionalitas Guru Agama Islam Dalam Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka

This study examines the importance of professionalism among Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in supporting the successful implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. This curriculum provides teachers with the flexibility to adapt learning materials to student needs, but its success largely depends on teacher skills and competencies. Based on a literature review of 15 journal articles, it was found that technological proficiency, digital ethics, and basic competencies are key factors. The challenges identified include a lack of curriculum understanding, limited facilities, and high administrative burdens. To address these issues, the study recommends intensive training, infrastructure improvements, administrative burden reduction, and collaboration between the government, schools, and teacher communities to support PAI teacher professionalism. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the specific role of PAI teacher professionalism in the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and the comprehensive strategies proposed to overcome these challenges.