Abstrak
This study aims to determine the perceptions of English teacher regarding the implementation in the Merdeka Curriculum in junior high school in Tarakan, specifically at SMPN 9 Tarakan, SMPN 8 Tarakan, and SMPN 1 Tarakan. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The research subjects were three English teachers from the three schools. Data collection techniques were conducted through interviews and classroom observations. The data were analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that English teachers generally have a positive perception of the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Teachers stated that the Merdeka Curriculum provides flexibility in designing learning experiences to meet students' needs and characteristics. This positive perception is reflected in teachers' enthusiasm to implement students-centered learning, use differentiation strategies, and develop students' creativity and independent learning. The challenges faced by teachers during the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum are that limited school facilities are a major obstacle to the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, especially in English language learning, which requires media and technological support. Therefore, continuous support in the form of teacher professional development and improvement of school facilities is needed so that the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum can run optimally in English language learning.