Jakarta. Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, announced that the government will simultaneously launch the Sekolah Garuda (Garuda School) initiative across 16 locations nationwide on Wednesday.

The high school program is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s quick win initiatives aimed at nurturing young talents in science and technology (STEM) so they can pursue higher education at top global universities and contribute to Indonesia’s development. The schools will adopt a combined national and international curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate, and provide modern facilities.

“Garuda Schools aim to open greater opportunities for children from all corners of Indonesia to reach the world’s best universities. It completes the government’s educational transformation,” Stella said in a written statement on Tuesday.

The rollout includes 12 Garuda Transformation Schools --selected high-performing schools designated as national role models-- and four new Garuda Schools under construction in different regions.

Stella said the initiative reflects President Prabowo’s vision to help talented Indonesian students from all backgrounds compete globally and access top international universities.  “Garuda Schools are the government’s way of expanding access to inclusive, high-quality education and nurturing future talent in science and technology,” she said.

The program aims to cultivate a “golden generation” --intelligent, globally competitive students with leadership qualities and a spirit of service to the nation.

According to Stella, Garuda Schools are built on three core pillars: equal opportunity to ensure access to quality education; leadership incubation to nurture character and advance Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Vision; and academic and civic excellence to promote high achievement alongside community service and social responsibility.

“Garuda Schools play a vital role in strengthening Indonesia’s human capital. Current Human Capital Index data show that Indonesian students only utilize around 54 percent of their full potential. This program aims to close that gap while widening access to the world’s top universities,” Stella said.

The 12 Garuda Transformation Schools are located in:

• SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan (Aceh)

• SMA Unggul Del (North Sumatra)

• MAN Insan Cendekia Ogan Komering Ilir (South Sumatra)

• SMAN Unggulan MH Thamrin (Jakarta)

• SMA Cahaya Rancamaya (West Java)

• SMA Taruna Nusantara (Central Java)

• SMA Pradita Dirgantara (Central Java)

• SMAN 10 Samarinda (East Kalimantan)

• SMAN Banua BBS (South Kalimantan)

• MAN Insan Cendekia Gorontalo (Gorontalo)

• SMAN Siwalima Ambon (Maluku)

• SMA Averos Sorong (Southwest Papua)

Meanwhile, four Garuda Schools are currently under construction in East Belitung; South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara; South Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi; and Bulungan, North Kalimantan.

By 2029, the government aims to develop 80 Garuda Transformation Schools and build 20 new Garuda Schools across the country as part of its broader mission to transform Indonesia’s education landscape.