This study examines the prospects and challenges for higher education in implementing the concept of independent learning implemented by the government during the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The Indonesian government responded to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of which was by implementing a policy of freedom of learning, better known as the concept of Merdeka Learning. This research is library research. This type of research is qualitative. Data were collected from primary and secondary documents. The approach used is the policy implementation approach which includes monitoring and evaluation. The theory used to analyze is the classical implementation theory which holds that the implementation of a policy runs linearly from public policy, implementers, and public policy performance. The findings of this study are: first, the implementation of independent learning is not measurable, giving rise to a variety of interpretations among implementing agents; second, the main obstacle to the implementation of independent learning is the lack of support from human resources, both human resources and non-human resources; and third, low coordination between agencies. The findings in this study contribute to the study of public policy disciplines, especially related to criticism of the process of implementing independent learning in a campus environment that applies the concept of an independent campus. low coordination between agencies. The findings in this study contribute to the study of public policy disciplines, especially related to criticism of the process of implementing independent learning in a campus environment that applies the concept of an independent campus. low coordination between agencies. The findings in this study contribute to the study of public policy disciplines, especially related to criticism of the process of implementing independent learning in a campus environment that applies the concept of an independent campus.