Jakarta — The government under President Prabowo Subianto continues to strengthen its human resource development agenda through educational policies oriented toward technological mastery. The People’s School and Garuda School programs are considered visionary national strategies to accelerate Indonesia’s technological progress while preparing a superior generation capable of competing globally.
Abdul Fikri Faqih, a member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized that the two programs are not ordinary policies, but rather measured steps to shift the direction of national education to make it more relevant to future challenges. “This is President Prabowo’s very specific vision: to catch up with the nation’s backwardness and promote technology education as a foundation for progress,” he said.
According to Abdul, the experience of developed countries shows that serious investment in technology and engineering education is key to dominating the modern industrial sector. He believes Indonesia is now on the right track by preparing a more applicable and innovation-based education system. “Countries like the United States and China have long made technology their primary strength. Indonesia must have the courage to leapfrog to avoid being left behind,” he said.
He added that this policy confirms that human development remains a top priority for President Prabowo’s administration. “Human resource development remains a major national agenda. However, the current approach is more focused on mastering applied technologies needed by industry and the nation’s future,” Abdul said.
Regarding the People’s School, Abdul explained that this program is designed to ensure access to quality education for underprivileged communities with a comprehensive and equitable approach. “The leading sector for the People’s School is not the Ministry of Education and Culture, but the Ministry of Social Affairs. Why? Because the approach is poverty-focused. Education is used as a strategic tool to break the cycle of poverty,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Garuda School is projected as a center for developing outstanding national talent. This program is designed to attract high-achieving students and prepare them for entry into world-class universities, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “Garuda School, at the high school (SLTA), high school (SMA), or vocational high school (SMK) level, is connected to universities, both domestic and international, so that bright children can have direct access to higher education,” said Abdul.
He emphasized that the success of the People’s School and Garuda School requires the support of all elements of the nation. Collaboration between the government, the community, and the education sector is believed to accelerate the realization of a technologically sovereign, innovation-independent, and highly competitive Indonesia on the global stage.
