"The construction process is planned to begin in 2026 and is targeted for completion no later than June 2027, so that it can accept students in the 2027/2028 academic year," Christie said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
She emphasized that Garuda School reflects President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to ensuring that every child of the nation gets a quality education and is globally competitive.
Through Garuda School, she said, the government aims to produce high-achieving graduates who can continue their education at leading universities, both at home and abroad.
To support this target, students will be provided with an enrichment curriculum specifically designed to strengthen academic capacity, character, critical thinking, and research skills, while adhering to the national curriculum, which is enriched by the International Baccalaureate (IB).
As a commitment to equal access, she said, at least 80 percent of Garuda School students will receive full scholarships, ensuring that high-achieving students from underprivileged families can pursue quality education without financial constraints.
"Garuda School is intended for those who previously could not access quality education. This program is a continuation of the President's policy, starting with the Sekolah Rakyat for families in the lowest 20 percent income bracket (Deciles 1 and 2), to Garuda School for the most outstanding students who need financial support," she said.
Sumbawa Regent, Syarafuddin Jarot, expressed his appreciation and full support for the planning of Garuda School in his region. He believes the school will be a significant milestone in improving the quality of education and human resources in Sumbawa.
He also expressed his commitment to the development of Garuda School through the donation of two plots of land for the school's construction and readiness to collaborate with the central government in providing supporting infrastructure.
"We welcome and fully support the construction of Garuda School in Sumbawa Regency. This is a great opportunity for Sumbawa children to access leading education from an early age without having to leave the region," he said.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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