By: Alexander Royce*)
As the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka administration approaches its first year, the ambitious vision of developing superior human resources is becoming increasingly prominent. In his state address, President Prabowo stated that the government will continue to strengthen its commitment to making Indonesia’s youth the backbone of national development. He emphasized that the nation’s progress will be largely determined by the quality of the younger generation and their access to quality education.
In accordance with this directive, the government, through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has begun preparing the concept of “non-boarding integrated flagship schools” that will be established in every sub-district. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti revealed that his office has reviewed the Samarinda model as a reference, and that President Prabowo has requested that these flagship schools be designed so that elementary, middle, and high schools can be integrated in one location for efficiency and learning cohesion. According to Mu’ti, this goes beyond the physical structure of the school, but also includes the implementation of a curriculum that is relevant to technology and character, as well as a professionally strengthened role for teachers.
Equally important, from a demographic and family development perspective, the government, through the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), is laying the foundation for developing a superior generation, starting from the smallest unit: the family. Deputy Minister Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka stated that the Prabowo-Gibran administration is focusing its program holistically on developing human resource quality until 2045, and that flagship schools are one milestone in this system. She emphasized that flagship schools should not be exclusive, but rather inclusive and reach all young people from all walks of life.
In the current context, the government’s actions have indeed shown acceleration. For example, in early October 2025, the government inaugurated an integrated school in Samarinda, which serves as a model for superior non-boarding schools. This school is equipped with modern technology, such as an Interactive Flat Panel (IFP), which enables in-depth learning and active student-teacher interaction.
Minister Mu’ti emphasized that this school is “one of the references” in the educational unit revitalization program, which targets revitalizing approximately 15,850 schools this year, an increase of more than 30 percent from the initial target. This revitalization program is also part of the government’s response to the challenges of education quality in the digital age, which must reach young people outside large cities or underdeveloped areas to ensure they are not left behind in global competition.
This initiative is crucial as Indonesia is experiencing a demographic bonus that must be fully utilized. With a large population of young people, establishing excellent schools for all ages is a strategic step to ensure the optimal development of every young generation’s potential. Amidst increasingly fierce global competition in science, technology, and industry, the government is prioritizing technological mastery and strong character building as key foundations, starting from elementary school. In his 2025 KSTI speech, President Prabowo emphasized the government’s commitment to making science and technology the primary driving force towards realizing Indonesia Emas 2045.
Educational inclusivity is an urgent need. With top schools open to all young people, the educational gap can be narrowed and opportunities equalized for all. Deputy Minister Isyana’s statement that top school programs should not be restricted to the elite alone is a strong signal that the current government upholds equitable access to education.
Of course, challenges remain. The concept of integrated flagship schools requires land, qualified teachers, and adequate resources in every sub-district. As the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education stated, technical discussions, including how these schools will be established in areas with small student populations or limited land, are still ongoing. However, the government’s commitment to moving quickly is evident in the concrete plans and ambitious allocations for school revitalization.
For young people across Indonesia, this is the perfect time to look to the future with new hope. The flagship schools designed by the Prabowo-Gibran administration are opening up opportunities for young talent from Sabang to Merauke to grow into a generation that is not only academically brilliant but also ready to compete globally and possess strong character as Indonesian citizens.
The government’s move to build excellent schools for all young people is not merely political rhetoric, but a national strategy that touches the roots of education and the future of the nation’s generations. Young people, parents, teachers, the community, and policymakers are encouraged to jointly support this movement. Because when quality education is accessible to all, Indonesia will grow with human strength and a well-rounded character. And it is in the hands of young people from diverse backgrounds that the nation’s great hopes lie. The government, with its strong commitment, has opened the door. Now is the time for us to step together into a brighter future.
*) The author is a social observer
