The Role of Photography in Strategies to Enhance the Development of Primary School Children in Merdeka Curriculum Education

Considering the current development of children, where technology plays an essential role in the learning process, this reinforces that integrated photography is an innovative tool that can be implemented in the independent curriculum to support the character development of primary school children in the 22nd century. Using a visual and creative approach, photography enables children to develop critical thinking skills, self-expression, and an appreciation of the environment. Photography-based education programs help students understand Pancasila values such as cooperation, responsibility, and love for the environment through practical activities that combine visual arts with value education. In addition, photography also encourages children to be more aware of environmental sustainability, while strengthening their ability to communicate and work together. With the integration of photography technology in learning, the independent curriculum can create a generation of learners who are creative, characterized, and ready to face global challenges Keywords: Integrated Photography, Merdeka Curriculum, Pancasila Values DOI: 10.7176/ADS/114-03 Publication date: July 30th 2025