Revitalizing Holistic Education Through Ki Hajar Dewantoro’s Garden Philosophy

Background: Ki Hajar Dewantoro's "garden" philosophy integrates intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual dimensions for holistic education, as reflected in the Taman Siswa model. Knowledge Gap: Modern education often neglects these principles, resulting in fragmented learning. Aim: This study examines the relevance of the "garden" philosophy in modern education, aligning it with the Merdeka Curriculum. Results: A semiotic analysis reveals the philosophy’s enduring relevance, particularly in promoting joyful, student-centered, and sustainable learning. Novelty: It bridges historical educational ideals with contemporary practices. Implications: The "garden" philosophy offers a foundation for holistic, inclusive education systems that address current challenges effectively. Highlights: Ki Hajar Dewantoro's "garden" philosophy emphasizes holistic, inclusive education integrating intellectual, moral, and social dimensions. The Merdeka Curriculum aligns with the philosophy, focusing on student-centered and joyful learning approaches. Revitalizing this philosophy can address modern educational challenges and foster sustainable, meaningful learning systems. Keywords: Garden Philosophy, Holistic Education, Merdeka Curriculum, Joyful Learning, Sustainable Education