Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie said on Saturday that four provinces — Bangka Belitung, East Nusa Tenggara, North Kalimantan, and Southeast Sulawesi — have been prioritized for completion next year. Construction in other regions will continue in a second phase, with a target completion date in 2027.
In his state address on August 15, President Prabowo Subianto stressed that the program includes 20 new schools and 80 transformation schools, selected from existing high-performing high schools.
Christie noted that site assessments are ongoing outside the four priority provinces, including in Mempawah (West Kalimantan) and Katingan (Central Kalimantan), which are being considered for future Garuda Schools.
"After site assessments, we will prepare reports that serve as the basis for selecting final locations. If approved by the Minister and the President, these could become viable options," she said.
According to Christie, the ministry has applied a transparent process for determining locations, based on proposals from regional governments and assessed against regional preparedness and resource potential. She added that decisions are being made swiftly.
"The sites have already been surveyed by the team and the data is complete. A final decision will be made within a week at the latest," she said.
Christie expressed hope that the Garuda Schools initiative will not only accelerate progress in science and technology but also stimulate regional development, strengthen local economies, and promote tourism.
Related news: Garuda School part of strategies to bolster HR development: Ministry
Related news: Science Ministry assesses potential to build Garuda School in Bengkulu
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
