Government Ensures Garuda Schools Inclusive for All Indonesian Talents

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek), Stella Christie, has assured that all schools within the Garuda Excellence New Schools and Transformation ecosystem are being created inclusively for the nation’s best talents.

“We are ensuring that the selection process is transparent, inclusive, and reaches the best talents from all regions in Indonesia,” said Deputy Minister Stella when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Saturday.

For the Garuda Excellence New Schools, she explained, there are currently four locations under construction: in East Belitung (Bangka Belitung), South Central Timor Regency (NTT), South Konawe (Southeast Sulawesi), and Bulungan (North Kalimantan), all targeted to be operational in stages to support new student admissions this year.

“Currently, the Garuda Excellence New Schools are conducting PPDB; the implementation of stage two has been completed, and we hope the nation’s best children can join for the new academic year,” she stated.

In addition to the four Garuda Excellence New Schools targeted for use in the upcoming academic year, Deputy Minister Stella mentioned that they will also build six more schools and increase the number of Garuda Excellence Transformation Schools in 2026.

“For the Garuda Excellence Transformation Schools, we are currently in the selection stage; there are already 240 schools registered from 25 provinces in Indonesia,” she said.

Regarding the number and locations, she added that they will be adjusted according to evaluation results, regional readiness, and national strategic needs in equalising access to quality education.