Becoming a Professional Content Creator Through the Kurikulum Merdeka and PJBL at Vocational High Schools

 

1. The Growing Need for Content Creators in the Digital Age

Content creators are integral in today’s digital landscape, creating material for various platforms such as social media, blogs, and video-sharing sites. Kurikulum Merdeka in Indonesian vocational high schools (SMK) supports students interested in this field, especially through Project-Based Learning (PJBL). This curriculum framework is flexible and encourages students to explore real-world content creation skills, allowing them to prepare for careers or entrepreneurial paths in digital media.

2. Kurikulum Merdeka and Its Emphasis on Creativity and Choice

With Kurikulum Merdeka, SMK students have the freedom to choose specialized learning areas, allowing them to focus on digital skills like content creation. PJBL is a core element of this curriculum, emphasizing hands-on experience. Students actively engage in content creation projects that involve video production, graphic design, social media strategy, and even personal branding. This approach empowers students to explore their interests while developing critical, industry-relevant skills.

3. Practical Skills Developed through PJBL

The Kurikulum Merdeka and PJBL framework in SMKs help students develop a variety of key skills:

• Videography and Photography: Learning the essentials of camera work, composition, and video editing.
• Graphic Design and Branding: Creating digital visuals such as thumbnails and banners.
• Social Media Management: Understanding algorithms and strategies to optimize content reach.
• Data Analytics: Using analytics tools to evaluate content performance and audience engagement.

4. Implementing PJBL Projects in Content Creation

With PJBL, students work on projects that simulate real-world content creation tasks. Examples include creating promotional videos, managing a school’s social media accounts, or building a blog portfolio. These projects allow students to apply what they’ve learned and prepare to enter the job market with a portfolio of work.

5. Adapting to Change with the Kurikulum Merdeka

As Indonesia enters a new era under President Prabowo’s administration, the future of Kurikulum Merdeka may see refinements and updates. Education experts and the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbudristek) have expressed optimism that the curriculum will continue with adjustments to enhance its relevance to student needs. As digital and media skills remain essential in today’s economy, it is expected that Kurikulum Merdeka will adapt to provide even more support and resources for students pursuing content creation.