Jakarta – The Government of the Republic of Indonesia, through its national strategic program, the Garuda School, demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the competency of Indonesian youth so they can compete on the global stage.
This program was initiated directly by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka as a real effort to prepare a superior generation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation which are the keys to the nation’s progress in the 21st century.
Exactly one year into his administration, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of Garuda School as part of the priority program.
“We must seek out the brightest children from all corners of the country, not only from the upper middle class, but also from less fortunate economic backgrounds,” Prabowo stressed.
The President explained that Garuda School is designed to international standards, using the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum that enables its graduates to be accepted into the world’s best universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Oxford.
According to him, Indonesia’s natural resources, such as critical minerals and rare earths, must be managed by domestic scientists, engineers, and technologists.
“The future of our nation depends on the abilities of our talented children in science and technology. Garuda School is a long-term investment in producing Nobel Prize winners and drivers of national progress,” he added.
The Garuda School Program is divided into two main schemes: New Garuda Schools, built in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas, and Garuda Transformation Schools, which integrate existing leading schools to implement global standards. The government is targeting the construction of 20 New Garuda Schools and the transformation of 80 schools by 2029.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, emphasized that this program is not just about building buildings, but also about opening access to quality education without socioeconomic discrimination.
“The President believes that every corner of Indonesia has exceptionally bright children. Garuda School is here to meet their needs and ensure equal access to education,” said Stella.
The presence of the Garuda School has also received a positive response from various parties. Kurniasih Mufidayati, Deputy Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives, expressed her support for this program as a strategic step towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
“Garuda School strengthens Indonesian human resources with a competency-based curriculum and international standards, as well as full scholarships for all high-achieving students, regardless of background,” said Kurniasih.
However, Kurniasih also reminded the importance of maintaining balance and attention to regular schools to avoid creating educational disparities.
The Garuda School Program, with its boarding system, international curriculum, and focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, is expected to be a driving force for Indonesia’s young generation to be able to compete globally and become a major pillar in the nation’s progress.