Jakarta – The government has officially launched Garuda Schools simultaneously in 16 locations across Indonesia. This program is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s Fastest Results Program (PHTC), designed to expand access and equalize the quality of superior education, especially in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. The presence of Garuda Schools marks a concrete step by the government to strengthen the quality of human resources equitably throughout the archipelago.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisintek), Brian Yuliarto, emphasized that Garuda Schools are a national strategic program aimed at preparing a superior generation for the Golden Indonesia 2045.
“Garuda Schools are built on three main pillars: equalizing access for all children of the nation to achieve, becoming a leader incubator to prepare the golden generation of 2045, especially in science and technology, and integrating quality education with community service,” he said.
Brian explained that the Garuda Schools were realized through two approaches: the New Garuda Schools, built from scratch in areas with limited access to education, and the Transformation Garuda Schools, developed from existing leading schools.
“With this ecosystem, the Garuda Schools are not just physical developments, but long-term investments to produce intelligent, globally competitive generations grounded in local values,” he said.
The simultaneous launch involved 12 Transformation Garuda Schools, including SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Banda Aceh, SMA Unggul Del Toba, SMANU MH Thamrin Jakarta, SMA Pradita Dirgantara Boyolali, and SMA Averos Sorong. Four locations for the New Garuda Schools were also identified: East Belitung, South Central Timor, Konawe, and Bulungan.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, assessed that the Garuda Schools would optimize student potential through a curriculum relevant to their interests and talents.
“With curriculum improvements, additional teachers, and facilities, children whose potential has not yet been fully realized can develop to their full potential,” said Meutya.
Similarly, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, emphasized that Garuda School will strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-based learning to produce future scientists and leaders.
“We hope that Garuda School will produce scientists with both academic and strong leadership abilities,” he said.
