What is the Progress of Multi-cultural Education Implementation in Indonesia: A Critical Recommendation Analysis

Edeh Dike Mariske

doi:10.56741/bei.v4i02.938

Authors

Edeh Dike Mariske
edehdike@gmail.com
Universitas Ahmad Dahlan https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4661-6584

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/bei.v4i02.938

Keywords:

Curriculum, Education, Indonesia, Multi-cultural

Abstract

Indonesia’s national curriculum embeds the values of Pancasila, promoting unity in diversity as a foundational principle of education. Within the Merdeka Curriculum, these values are further emphasized through the P5 (Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila) co-curricular framework, with themes such as Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) playing a central role. Schools across Indonesia have adopted multicultural education approaches through subject-based learning, particularly in Civic Education, as well as through co-curricular P5 projects and diverse extracurricular activities. However, several key challenges persist, including limited teacher training on multicultural pedagogy, resource constraints, and inconsistencies in implementation across regions. In response, culturally grounded educational programs have begun to emerge, aimed at preserving local wisdom and enhancing students’ cultural understanding in alignment with regional traditions. This paper explores the current practices, opportunities, and challenges of implementing multicultural education in Indonesia, with a focus on the integration of local cultural values within the national curriculum framework.

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Author Biography

Edeh Dike Mariske, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan

began her academic journey by pursuing an associate degree (D3) in Chemistry at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB). She continued her studies and obtained a bachelor's degree (S1) in Chemistry from IKIP Jakarta. In 2008, she completed her Master's degree (S2) in Chemistry at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Her professional career spans decades, beginning with her role as a chemistry teacher at SMAN 1 Cikembar from 1991 until 2021. In 2020, she transitioned to a supervisory position, serving as a Senior High School Supervisor for the Regional Education Office (KCD) West Java – Region V. Currently, she is pursuing doctoral studies in the Doctoral Program at Ahmad Dahlan University (UAD) in Yogyakarta. In addition to her teaching and administrative roles, Edeh has been active in writing and publishing. Her works include Classroom Action Research Studies, the book Compilation of Education Essays during the Covid-19 Era, a poetry anthology titled Women on the Shoreline, and various articles featured in the KACI Reading Community. (email: 2436082032@webmail.uad.ac.id).

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