Transformative Social Studies Education Under the Merdeka Belajar Framework: Activity Theory and the Negotiation of Local Wisdom Knowledge in Multicultural Classrooms
Keywords:
Activity Theory, Local Wisdom, Merdeka Belajar, Multicultural Classrooms, Social Studies Education, Transformative Learning
Abstract
This study examines how Activity Theory (AT) provides an analytical framework for understanding the transformative role of Social Studies education under Indonesia's Merdeka Belajar curriculum, specifically in negotiating local wisdom knowledge within multicultural classrooms. Drawing on a qualitative case study design involving twelve Social Studies teachers across three junior high schools in Riau Province, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Thematic analysis reveals that the six components of Engeström's expanded Activity System; subject, tools, object, rules, community, and division of labour,operate as dynamic mediators through which local wisdom (kearifan lokal) is contested, validated, and repositioned within diverse epistemic communities. The Merdeka Belajar framework's emphasis on student autonomy, the Profil Pelajar Pancasila, and Project-Based Learning created enabling conditions for culturally sustaining pedagogies, yet systemic tensions persisted between standardized national assessment and the fluid nature of indigenous knowledge. The study contributes a theoretically grounded, empirically situated model for integrating local wisdom into Social Studies under Merdeka Belajar, with implications for multicultural curriculum design, teacher professional development, and education policy in pluralistic societies.
References
Annisha, D. (2024). Integrasi penggunaan kearifan lokal dalam proses pembelajaran pada konsep kurikulum Merdeka Belajar. Jurnal Basicedu, 8(3), 2108–2115. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v8i3.7706
Ardiansyah, M., & Tirtana, E. R. (2025). Optimizing social studies learning through implementation improvements to the Merdeka Curriculum. Journal of Smart Pedagogy and Education, 1(2), 10–25. https://doi.org/10.65101/spedu.v1i2.139
Arifin, A. S., & Wachidah, K. (2025). Local wisdom videos boost elementary social studies outcomes in Indonesia. Inquest Journal, 3(2), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.53622/ij.v3i2.354
Azmira, T. (2026). Multicultural Islamic education curriculum and social cohesion: Negotiating religious identity in diverse communities. Multicultural Islamic Education Review, 4(1), 145–162. https://doi.org/10.23917/mier.v4i1.16875
Baiduri, R., Ekomila, S., Supsiloani, & Rulyani, A. (2024). Local knowledge as a catalyst for gender equality in Medan's multicultural society. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Humanities Education, Law, and Social Science, 614–633. https://doi.org/10.5220/0013411800004654
CABAUATAN, L. J. I. (2024). Integration of Ifugao indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSPs) in teaching Philippine studies in multicultural classrooms. Waikato Journal of Education. https://doi.org/10.15663/wje.a1066
Çelik, İ. T. (2025). Revitalizing local wisdom in digital classrooms to foster innovative and meaningful learning experiences. Nusantara Education, 4(1), 26–35. https://doi.org/10.66325/nusantaraeducation.v4i1.243
Choi, S. (2024). Analysis of the knowledge paradigm of qualitative research on multicultural education in Korea: Based on Lather's classification. Multicultural Education Studies, 12(31), 47–73. https://doi.org/10.14328/mes.2024.12.31.47
Hartati, C. D., Wirawati, S. M., Fahmi, A. R., Gymnastiar, I. A., & Manggala, K. (2025). Ramadan and the strengthening of social cohesion: A study of local wisdom in multicultural societies. Indonesian Journal of Studies on Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 2(1), 53–71. https://doi.org/10.54783/0b8b7f64
Hantsch, R. (2025). Transformative economic education—A framework for the integration of socioeconomic education and transformative learning theory. Journal of Transformative Education, 24(1), 100–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/15413446251358201
Hasan, A., Fatiya, A., & Hrebatć, M. (2024). Transformative leadership in education: Principal leadership styles and the implementation of Merdeka Belajar curriculum at school. Development: Studies in Educational Management and Leadership, 3(2), 117–130. https://doi.org/10.47766/development.v3i2.4843
Hasugian, A., Masyitoh, I. S., & Fitriasari, S. (2024). Cultivating local wisdom through the Profil Pelajar Pancasila program in Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar. Inovasi Kurikulum, 21(1), 501–514. https://doi.org/10.17509/jik.v21i1.66755
Husna, U., Jam'an, A., & Jusriadi, E. (2025). Development of human resources quality of Dani tribe through empowerment of indigenous communities integration, local wisdom values and multicultural education. Golden Ratio of Social Science and Education, 5(2), 276–289. https://doi.org/10.52970/grsse.v5i2.1223
Jana, J., Hammidah, H., Chand, R., & Haselkorn, J. (2024). Community spirit and local wisdom: Strengthening character education through the Ngarot tradition in social studies learning. Journal of Social Knowledge Education (JSKE), 5(1), 9–20. https://doi.org/10.37251/jske.v5i1.888
JEKAYINOLUWA, J. R. (2024). Teaching national identity in multicultural classrooms: A study on social studies teachers. Proceedings of the International Conference. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2024/v50i91592
Johannes, J., Silalahi, H., Evriza, E., Pramana, A., & Firhan, A. (2025). Efektivitas pendampingan individu pada calon guru penggerak dalam menerapkan konsep Merdeka Belajar (Filosofi Ki Hajar Dewantara). MUDABBIR Journal Research and Education Studies, 5(2), 2324–2335. https://doi.org/10.56832/mudabbir.v5i2.1529
Kim, G. (2025). An encounter between multicultural education and history education: Korean perspectives. Multicultural Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.14328/mes.2025.9.30.57
Lamiah, J. (2025). The value of local wisdom of the Syawalan tradition from a social studies perspective. Journal of Social Knowledge Education. https://doi.org/10.37251/jske.v5i1.888
Lee, C. (2025). Teaching through a transformative lens. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 27(1), 29–53. https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v27i1.4677
Lestari, W., & Suwanto, S. (2024). Disaster mitigation knowledge based on local wisdom integration in elementary schools. International Journal of Education, Social Studies, and Management (IJESSM), 4(3), 1162–1175. https://doi.org/10.52121/ijessm.v4i3.502
Lukong, T. E., & Jaja, N. D. (2026). Reimagining learning sciences through African indigenous knowledge systems: Toward a contextually responsive pedagogical framework for African classrooms. International Journal of Human Research and Social Science Studies, 3(5). https://doi.org/10.55677/ijhrsss/11-2026-vol03i05
Mahpudz, A. (2024). Utilizing local wisdom values to develop curriculum and learning for social science education in Indonesia. Proceedings of the International Conference on Social Studies Education (ICoSSE), 1(1), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.20414/icosse.v1i1.15
Mesenu, M. (2025). The integration of Islamic values and Betawi cultural wisdom in strengthening multicultural education. Multicultural Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.14328/mes.2024.9.30.131
Mu'ti, A., & Amirrachman, A. (2025). Local wisdom-based multicultural education: Muhammadiyah experience. Intellectual Discourse, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.31436/id.v33i1.2241
Nati, E., Warto, W., & Pelu, M. (2024). Implementation of multicultural education based on local wisdom for high school students. Proceedings of the 3rd ICHSS 2023. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.27-12-2023.2348629
Nong, R. (2025). From explicit knowledge to tacit wisdom: Knowledge management challenges and opportunities in AI-era university classrooms. Higher Education and Practice, 2(11), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.62381/h251b10
Putra, T. F., Anggraeni, L., Gufron, H., Juniarti, C., & Hardiyanti, R. A. (2025). Vernacular knowledge and digital citizenship: Integrating local wisdom in contemporary education. International Journal Pedagogy of Social Studies, 10(1), 127–136. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijposs.v10i1.86181
Rohmadi, Fadil, A., Zain, Z. F. S., & Soraya, N. (2025). The Ngobeng tradition in Palembang: Implementing local wisdom and religious moderation in multicultural education to achieve social harmony. Muslim Heritage, 10(1), 31–53. https://doi.org/10.21154/muslimheritage.v10i1.10874
Rouabhia, R. (2024). Exploring a pocket guide to writing through Cultural-Historical Activity Theory: Implications for multicultural education. Dinamika Ilmu, 24(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.21093/di.v24i1.7456
Sakman, Abdulkarim, A., Komalasari, K., & Masyitoh, I. S. (2024). Unveiling the Merdeka Curriculum: A review of local wisdom integration in civic education for junior high schools. KnE Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v9i19.16496
Salam, A., & SM, M. H. (2024). Keboan: Emik, syncretism, and negotiation. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 206–215. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-224-8_19
Sanoto (2025). Religious values in the Ambengan tradition in Kalangdosari Village: A transformative Islamic education and local wisdom perspective. Journal of Nahdlatul Ulama Studies, 6(1), 20–38. https://doi.org/10.35672/jnus.v6i1.20-38
Shi, Y., & Son, M. (2026). Undoing fixation: Xunzi's Jiebi as a framework for critical thinking in multicultural classrooms. Studies in Philosophy and Education, 45(2), 215–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11217-025-10036-1
Sidabutar, I. M. (2025). Nilai-nilai kearifan lokal dalam karya sastra Nusantara: Implikasi bagi Kurikulum Merdeka. Boraspati Journal, 1(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.64674/boraspatijournal.v1i1.2
Simanungkalit, K. E., Saddhono, K., & Rohmadi, M. (2024). Exploring Batak Toba local wisdom through oral literature in optimizing Curriculum Merdeka Belajar. Proceedings of the 3rd ICHSS 2023. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.27-12-2023.2351613
Simorangkir, M. R. R. (2025). Driving teachers' innovative strategies in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in basic education. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 51(9), 468–474. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i92382
Stavropoulou, G., Beazidou, E., & Paraskevopoulou, A. M. (2026). Factors associated with teachers' self-efficacy in multicultural classrooms: The roles of emotional empowerment, adaptability, cultural empathy and inclusive practices. Journal for Multicultural Education, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1108/jme-10-2025-0276
Sugiantoro, Nurmala, C. W., Imron, A., Afifah, S. N., & Asrofi, M. H. (2025). Revitalizing local wisdom as an inclusive approach in multicultural education for Generation Z to overcome social conflicts in the school environment. KnE Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v10i31.20387
Sugiharto, B. (2024). Integration of local wisdom in the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy in biology education study programs in Indonesia. BIOTIK: Jurnal Ilmiah Biologi Teknologi dan Kependidikan, 12(2), 137. https://doi.org/10.22373/biotik.v12i2.25362
Sumarni, S. (2026). Local wisdom values as social attachment of school and multicultural society. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, 7(3), 649–655. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i3.25.17817
Sutama, I. W., Pawito, P., Hastjarjo, S., & Demartoto, A. (2025). Conflict management in multicultural teams: Optimizing intercultural communication based on Wetu Telu local wisdom values. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/m27rn_v1
Sutherland, D., & Germain, E. (2026). Teaching under scrutiny: Social studies teachers' negotiation, resistance and fatigue with early anti-critical race theory resolutions. Teaching and Teacher Education, 176, 105521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2026.105521
Syaharuddin, S., Subiyakto, B., Nadilla, D. F., & Jannah, F. (2025). The integration of Dayak Deah's local wisdom in social studies learning within the Merdeka Curriculum at junior high schools in Tabalong. The Innovation of Social Studies Journal, 6(2), 101. https://doi.org/10.20527/issj.v6i2.14751
Ardiansyah, M., & Tirtana, E. R. (2025). Optimizing social studies learning through implementation improvements to the Merdeka Curriculum. Journal of Smart Pedagogy and Education, 1(2), 10–25. https://doi.org/10.65101/spedu.v1i2.139
Arifin, A. S., & Wachidah, K. (2025). Local wisdom videos boost elementary social studies outcomes in Indonesia. Inquest Journal, 3(2), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.53622/ij.v3i2.354
Azmira, T. (2026). Multicultural Islamic education curriculum and social cohesion: Negotiating religious identity in diverse communities. Multicultural Islamic Education Review, 4(1), 145–162. https://doi.org/10.23917/mier.v4i1.16875
Baiduri, R., Ekomila, S., Supsiloani, & Rulyani, A. (2024). Local knowledge as a catalyst for gender equality in Medan's multicultural society. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Humanities Education, Law, and Social Science, 614–633. https://doi.org/10.5220/0013411800004654
CABAUATAN, L. J. I. (2024). Integration of Ifugao indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSPs) in teaching Philippine studies in multicultural classrooms. Waikato Journal of Education. https://doi.org/10.15663/wje.a1066
Çelik, İ. T. (2025). Revitalizing local wisdom in digital classrooms to foster innovative and meaningful learning experiences. Nusantara Education, 4(1), 26–35. https://doi.org/10.66325/nusantaraeducation.v4i1.243
Choi, S. (2024). Analysis of the knowledge paradigm of qualitative research on multicultural education in Korea: Based on Lather's classification. Multicultural Education Studies, 12(31), 47–73. https://doi.org/10.14328/mes.2024.12.31.47
Hartati, C. D., Wirawati, S. M., Fahmi, A. R., Gymnastiar, I. A., & Manggala, K. (2025). Ramadan and the strengthening of social cohesion: A study of local wisdom in multicultural societies. Indonesian Journal of Studies on Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 2(1), 53–71. https://doi.org/10.54783/0b8b7f64
Hantsch, R. (2025). Transformative economic education—A framework for the integration of socioeconomic education and transformative learning theory. Journal of Transformative Education, 24(1), 100–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/15413446251358201
Hasan, A., Fatiya, A., & Hrebatć, M. (2024). Transformative leadership in education: Principal leadership styles and the implementation of Merdeka Belajar curriculum at school. Development: Studies in Educational Management and Leadership, 3(2), 117–130. https://doi.org/10.47766/development.v3i2.4843
Hasugian, A., Masyitoh, I. S., & Fitriasari, S. (2024). Cultivating local wisdom through the Profil Pelajar Pancasila program in Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar. Inovasi Kurikulum, 21(1), 501–514. https://doi.org/10.17509/jik.v21i1.66755
Husna, U., Jam'an, A., & Jusriadi, E. (2025). Development of human resources quality of Dani tribe through empowerment of indigenous communities integration, local wisdom values and multicultural education. Golden Ratio of Social Science and Education, 5(2), 276–289. https://doi.org/10.52970/grsse.v5i2.1223
Jana, J., Hammidah, H., Chand, R., & Haselkorn, J. (2024). Community spirit and local wisdom: Strengthening character education through the Ngarot tradition in social studies learning. Journal of Social Knowledge Education (JSKE), 5(1), 9–20. https://doi.org/10.37251/jske.v5i1.888
JEKAYINOLUWA, J. R. (2024). Teaching national identity in multicultural classrooms: A study on social studies teachers. Proceedings of the International Conference. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2024/v50i91592
Johannes, J., Silalahi, H., Evriza, E., Pramana, A., & Firhan, A. (2025). Efektivitas pendampingan individu pada calon guru penggerak dalam menerapkan konsep Merdeka Belajar (Filosofi Ki Hajar Dewantara). MUDABBIR Journal Research and Education Studies, 5(2), 2324–2335. https://doi.org/10.56832/mudabbir.v5i2.1529
Kim, G. (2025). An encounter between multicultural education and history education: Korean perspectives. Multicultural Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.14328/mes.2025.9.30.57
Lamiah, J. (2025). The value of local wisdom of the Syawalan tradition from a social studies perspective. Journal of Social Knowledge Education. https://doi.org/10.37251/jske.v5i1.888
Lee, C. (2025). Teaching through a transformative lens. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 27(1), 29–53. https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v27i1.4677
Lestari, W., & Suwanto, S. (2024). Disaster mitigation knowledge based on local wisdom integration in elementary schools. International Journal of Education, Social Studies, and Management (IJESSM), 4(3), 1162–1175. https://doi.org/10.52121/ijessm.v4i3.502
Lukong, T. E., & Jaja, N. D. (2026). Reimagining learning sciences through African indigenous knowledge systems: Toward a contextually responsive pedagogical framework for African classrooms. International Journal of Human Research and Social Science Studies, 3(5). https://doi.org/10.55677/ijhrsss/11-2026-vol03i05
Mahpudz, A. (2024). Utilizing local wisdom values to develop curriculum and learning for social science education in Indonesia. Proceedings of the International Conference on Social Studies Education (ICoSSE), 1(1), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.20414/icosse.v1i1.15
Mesenu, M. (2025). The integration of Islamic values and Betawi cultural wisdom in strengthening multicultural education. Multicultural Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.14328/mes.2024.9.30.131
Mu'ti, A., & Amirrachman, A. (2025). Local wisdom-based multicultural education: Muhammadiyah experience. Intellectual Discourse, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.31436/id.v33i1.2241
Nati, E., Warto, W., & Pelu, M. (2024). Implementation of multicultural education based on local wisdom for high school students. Proceedings of the 3rd ICHSS 2023. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.27-12-2023.2348629
Nong, R. (2025). From explicit knowledge to tacit wisdom: Knowledge management challenges and opportunities in AI-era university classrooms. Higher Education and Practice, 2(11), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.62381/h251b10
Putra, T. F., Anggraeni, L., Gufron, H., Juniarti, C., & Hardiyanti, R. A. (2025). Vernacular knowledge and digital citizenship: Integrating local wisdom in contemporary education. International Journal Pedagogy of Social Studies, 10(1), 127–136. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijposs.v10i1.86181
Rohmadi, Fadil, A., Zain, Z. F. S., & Soraya, N. (2025). The Ngobeng tradition in Palembang: Implementing local wisdom and religious moderation in multicultural education to achieve social harmony. Muslim Heritage, 10(1), 31–53. https://doi.org/10.21154/muslimheritage.v10i1.10874
Rouabhia, R. (2024). Exploring a pocket guide to writing through Cultural-Historical Activity Theory: Implications for multicultural education. Dinamika Ilmu, 24(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.21093/di.v24i1.7456
Sakman, Abdulkarim, A., Komalasari, K., & Masyitoh, I. S. (2024). Unveiling the Merdeka Curriculum: A review of local wisdom integration in civic education for junior high schools. KnE Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v9i19.16496
Salam, A., & SM, M. H. (2024). Keboan: Emik, syncretism, and negotiation. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 206–215. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-224-8_19
Sanoto (2025). Religious values in the Ambengan tradition in Kalangdosari Village: A transformative Islamic education and local wisdom perspective. Journal of Nahdlatul Ulama Studies, 6(1), 20–38. https://doi.org/10.35672/jnus.v6i1.20-38
Shi, Y., & Son, M. (2026). Undoing fixation: Xunzi's Jiebi as a framework for critical thinking in multicultural classrooms. Studies in Philosophy and Education, 45(2), 215–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11217-025-10036-1
Sidabutar, I. M. (2025). Nilai-nilai kearifan lokal dalam karya sastra Nusantara: Implikasi bagi Kurikulum Merdeka. Boraspati Journal, 1(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.64674/boraspatijournal.v1i1.2
Simanungkalit, K. E., Saddhono, K., & Rohmadi, M. (2024). Exploring Batak Toba local wisdom through oral literature in optimizing Curriculum Merdeka Belajar. Proceedings of the 3rd ICHSS 2023. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.27-12-2023.2351613
Simorangkir, M. R. R. (2025). Driving teachers' innovative strategies in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in basic education. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 51(9), 468–474. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i92382
Stavropoulou, G., Beazidou, E., & Paraskevopoulou, A. M. (2026). Factors associated with teachers' self-efficacy in multicultural classrooms: The roles of emotional empowerment, adaptability, cultural empathy and inclusive practices. Journal for Multicultural Education, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1108/jme-10-2025-0276
Sugiantoro, Nurmala, C. W., Imron, A., Afifah, S. N., & Asrofi, M. H. (2025). Revitalizing local wisdom as an inclusive approach in multicultural education for Generation Z to overcome social conflicts in the school environment. KnE Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v10i31.20387
Sugiharto, B. (2024). Integration of local wisdom in the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy in biology education study programs in Indonesia. BIOTIK: Jurnal Ilmiah Biologi Teknologi dan Kependidikan, 12(2), 137. https://doi.org/10.22373/biotik.v12i2.25362
Sumarni, S. (2026). Local wisdom values as social attachment of school and multicultural society. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, 7(3), 649–655. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i3.25.17817
Sutama, I. W., Pawito, P., Hastjarjo, S., & Demartoto, A. (2025). Conflict management in multicultural teams: Optimizing intercultural communication based on Wetu Telu local wisdom values. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/m27rn_v1
Sutherland, D., & Germain, E. (2026). Teaching under scrutiny: Social studies teachers' negotiation, resistance and fatigue with early anti-critical race theory resolutions. Teaching and Teacher Education, 176, 105521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2026.105521
Syaharuddin, S., Subiyakto, B., Nadilla, D. F., & Jannah, F. (2025). The integration of Dayak Deah's local wisdom in social studies learning within the Merdeka Curriculum at junior high schools in Tabalong. The Innovation of Social Studies Journal, 6(2), 101. https://doi.org/10.20527/issj.v6i2.14751
Published
2026-06-30
How to Cite
Putra, E. S. I., & Muthalib, A. (2026). Transformative Social Studies Education Under the Merdeka Belajar Framework: Activity Theory and the Negotiation of Local Wisdom Knowledge in Multicultural Classrooms. JPI: Jurnal Pustaka Indonesia, 6(2), 197–210. https://doi.org/10.62159/jpi.v6i2.2467
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2026 Edi Susrianto Indra Putra, A. Muthalib
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with JPI: Jurnal Pustaka Indonesia journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the JPI: Jurnal Pustaka Indonesia journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors can enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or edit it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) before and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
1.png)
_(3).png){kind=small}
