Mendiktisaintek: SMA Unggul Garuda does not create exclusive education
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto has stressed that the SMA Unggul Garuda programme, whether for new schools or transformations, is not intended to create exclusive education reserved only for certain circles.
“We state and remind that the selection of a school (as SMA Unggul Garuda) does not mean it becomes exclusive, does not mean we then become separated from the ecosystem of other high schools, no,” said Minister Brian at the Launching and Socialisation Event for the Selection of SMA Unggul Garuda Transformation 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday.
The Mendiktisaintek emphasised that the SMA Unggul Garuda Transformation is expected to become a hub and beacon that illuminates other high schools, thereby building a quality education ecosystem.
He mentioned that the quota policy in the SMA Unggul Garuda Transformation also serves as a signal of the inclusivity of this policy, while being an effort to encourage similar changes in other high schools and madrasahs in the surrounding areas.
“So, the SMA Unggul Garuda Transformation is not just about the school itself, but it is hoped that it can provide an impact. If there are talented children, children who are interested, even if they do not attend school there, it is hoped they can also be impacted or participate in the programmes available at that school,” explained Minister Brian.
In 2026, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Technology targets at least 30 of the best schools in Indonesia to join the SMA Unggul Garuda ecosystem.
“Of course, we hope that the best high schools and madrasahs in Indonesia can become part of the growing SMA Unggul Garuda ecosystem in a collaborative environment, and more importantly, it can produce even more outstanding talents with global competitiveness, which will bring Indonesia to glory in the future,” stated Mendiktisaintek Brian Yuliarto.
It is known that SMA Unggul Garuda is a school with an enhanced pre-university curriculum in a boarding system equivalent to the high school level, prioritising a learning approach based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
SMA Unggul Garuda is the realisation of President Prabowo Subianto’s grand vision to bring Indonesian children from all corners of the country to the world’s best campuses.
Graduates of SMA Unggul Garuda are prepared to continue their studies at top universities in Indonesia and abroad.
By 2029, the Indonesian Government targets at least 80 SMA Unggul Garuda Transformations spread across various regions of Indonesia.