East Kalimantan—The international classes within the Garuda School program continue to expand as part of the national strategy to increase access to quality global education in various regions. In East Kalimantan, the Provincial Government, through the Education and Culture Office (Disdikbud), is taking concrete steps by preparing several high schools to become centers of international-standard education. This policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing quality education that can compete globally while also meeting the need for superior human resources in the future.
The Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Education and Culture Office, Armin, explained that the development of the Garuda Transformation School is focused on selected schools to ensure optimal and sustainable implementation. “We are targeting schools that are already prepared, both in terms of academic culture and teaching staff capacity, so that the results can be more measurable,” he said in an official statement. Currently, State Senior High School 10 Samarinda is a pioneer in implementing the program by strengthening international classes that use English as the primary language of instruction.
The implementation of international classes at the school has yielded significant results. Within a year, dozens of students successfully entered international universities, earning dozens of Letters of Acceptance (LoAs). This achievement demonstrates that a global-based learning approach can significantly improve students’ competitiveness. “This achievement demonstrates excellent results and serves as a model for future development,” said Armin.
To ensure quality implementation, the East Kalimantan Education and Culture Office is also preparing a strategy to strengthen teacher capacity through comprehensive training and intensive mentoring. This step is considered crucial to ensure that educational transformation doesn’t stop at the conceptual level but truly impacts the teaching and learning process in the classroom. Armin emphasized that improving educational quality must be systematic and sustainable.
At the national level, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, emphasized that Garuda Schools are a crucial foundation in preparing Indonesia’s next generation. “Garuda Schools are designed as an educational ecosystem with an international-standard curriculum, adequate facilities, and the best teaching staff to develop outstanding talent,” he said. “All Garuda School students will receive full funding through state scholarships, so learning opportunities are determined by potential and achievement,” he said.
By expanding international classes within the Garuda School program, the government demonstrates its strong commitment to creating an inclusive, high-quality, and globally competitive education system. This effort is expected to produce a generation of young people who excel not only academically but also are prepared to face the challenges of the international world.
