During a visit to a proposed construction site for a Garuda school in Nabire District, Central Papua, on Wednesday (April 30), Christie emphasized that the development of these high-quality schools is part of a broader goal to create a stronger ecosystem for education, science, and technology in the country.
“To build a suitable ecosystem, we need to establish high schools dedicated to preparing students for higher education, whether domestically or abroad,” she noted, as quoted in a release here on Thursday.
Christie then highlighted that the operations of Garuda schools could help foster cooperation between regions.
Focusing on Papua, the deputy minister expressed hope that the schools would encourage research activities and technological progress, ultimately improving education quality and access for local residents.
“Garuda Top-tier High Schools are an initiative of President Prabowo Subianto. Unlike others, these schools are focused on regions needing greater support to improve educational quality and access, especially those outside Java,” she explained.
Christie affirmed that native Papuan residents would be prioritized for admission in the Garuda schools to be established in the region.
Meanwhile, Central Papua Governor Meki Fritz Nawipa stated that the local government had been working to ensure equal access to education for all children.
In this context, he commended the central government’s decision to designate Nabire as a candidate location for a Garuda school, describing it as the right step.
“With the necessary land already prepared, we are now awaiting further steps from the central government and the president. This school will help Papuans rise and contribute to the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision,” he remarked.
Under President Prabowo’s directive, the government aims to build at least 20 Garuda Top-tier High Schools nationwide over the next five years.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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