Indonesia has about 300,000 schools, and the government aims to renovate all of them within four years, Prabowo said during the inauguration of Malang Taruna Nusantara High School, broadcast on Tuesday.
The president said education is central to national progress, playing a decisive role in developing talent, strengthening social mobility and improving overall public welfare across the archipelago.
He said the renovation program is intended to ensure students learn in safe, comfortable and supportive environments that can foster academic achievement and character development.
“Education is an instrument of development, an instrument of welfare and an instrument of democracy,” Prabowo said, adding that education and health are key tools to eradicate poverty.
Beyond renovations, the government plans to establish at least one top-tier school in every province, either under the Taruna Nusantara system or the Garuda High School model.
Related news: Prabowo targets 500 elite schools nationwide within four years
The policy is part of a broader strategy to nurture future national leaders and reduce disparities in access to high-quality education between regions.
To meet that goal, the government plans to expand Taruna Nusantara High Schools and build at least 20 Garuda High Schools across the country.
These flagship institutions are designed to set national benchmarks, with modern facilities, strong curricula and broad geographic coverage to widen access to quality education.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the government is consistently advancing the development of Taruna Nusantara campuses, including existing sites in Malang, Cimahi and Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara.
He added that construction is also under way at three additional locations, including in North Sulawesi and South Sumatra, as part of efforts to accelerate education development nationwide.
Related news: Minister inaugurates 14 revitalized schools in South Kalimantan
Translator: Maria Cicilia, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
