Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti on Wednesday inaugurated the Samarinda Integrated School in East Kalimantan, a free non-boarding institution designed as a model for academic excellence, character building, and modern facilities across three education levels.

“This is not only an international-class school, but also free. Commitments like this will shape a great generation in Samarinda, not only locally but also nationally and globally,” Mu’ti said in a statement.

He said the school adopts a bilingual learning system, combining the national Merdeka Curriculum with the Cambridge Curriculum, as part of a strategy to prepare students for global competition.

Mu’ti stressed the importance of early mastery of English and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

“English is the language of science and technology. From third grade, English is compulsory, alongside strengthened science and mathematics from early education,” he said.

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He added that the government prioritized human capital development through programs such as 13 years of compulsory education and the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) scheme for students, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun said the integrated school was built to raise the quality and integrity of education.

“Teachers, principals, and educators were selected through a strict, transparent process with no compromises. Students also underwent selection, because quality can only be achieved through integrity,” he said.

The school sits on 1.8 hectares, covering elementary to high school levels.

Facilities include laboratories, a multimedia library, digital learning spaces, and sports and arts venues. Future plans call for green areas and a pathway to a mosque.

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Translator: Hana Dewi Kinarina Kaban, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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