Exploring the Disconnect: Indonesian Teachers' Professional Development Choices and the 'Merdeka Mengajar' Platform

Abstract

This study investigated Indonesian teachers' engagement in continuous professional development (CPD). The participants were the non-users of the newly established online professional development platform designed by the Indonesian government called the "Merdeka Mengajar" Platform. The study investigates teachers' engagement with CPD, perception of government CPD programs, and teachers' perception of the Merdeka Mengajar platform, as well as their reason for not using it. There were ten teachers participated in this study. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews via the online meeting platform, Zoom. The study is situated in Indonesia, and the participants come from rural and urban areas. The interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke (2006).  The result showed that, even though the participant came from different backgrounds, they have the same focus in CPD, that is, on pedagogical knowledge. Teachers are not using the platform because of no urgency, lack of content and availability of other sources.