Kaltara Enters Garuda School Shortlist, Superior Education Of Regional Boys Achievements

TANJUNG SELOR - North Kalimantan Province (Kaltara) has the potential location for the construction of the Garuda School, this flagship education program was initiated directly by President Prabowo Subianto.

This was conveyed by the Deputy Minister (Wamen) of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Diktisaintek), Stella Christie, after meeting with the Deputy Governor (Deputy Governor) of Kaltara, Ingkong Ala at the North Kalimantan Governor's Office on Friday, July.

"We have just discussed with the Deputy Governor and the ranks of the North Kalimantan Provincial Government. From the data and readiness they conveyed, Kaltara is included in the short list of candidates for the Garuda Baru School construction location," said Stella Christie.

Deputy Minister of Education and Technology, Stella Christie emphasized that the construction of the Garuda School is a form of President Prabowo Subbianto's commitment to providing STEM-based boarding school education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for the younger generation who excel from all over Indonesia, especially from underprivileged families.

"This is a tangible manifestation of one of the national priority programs. We want every child who has potential, does not care which area, can access world-class education without having to leave the country," said the Deputy Minister.

"This school will be built centrally with dormitory facilities, teachers' houses, and other supporting facilities that also involve the surrounding community," he continued.

Stella revealed that the construction of the Garuda School requires an ideal 20 hectares of land, but the physical construction uses about 2 hectares. The rest is intended for the development of student activities and public facilities.

"For example, the sports facilities that we have built can also be used by the surrounding community," he said.

He explained that this school will accommodate around 160 students per generation, in three years the total number of boarding students can reach 480 people.

Later, students will be elected strictly from all over Indonesia, including special affirmations for the sons and daughters of the local area who excel.

The Garuda School Program has two schemes, namely the construction of new schools and the transformation of existing schools but not yet optimal.

"For this year, there have been 12 selected Garuda Transformation schools. The national target is 20 transformation schools and 20 new schools," said Stella.

Regarding development in Kaltara, he emphasized that there has been no final decision, but the assessment will continue. If it is determined, the possibility of development will begin next year and be opened in the 2027/2028 school year.

"We are still monitoring various technical considerations, but Kaltara is showing excellent readiness," he said.

Stella said the school would be equipped with teachers' homes and adequate facilities.

"Garuda's school is a superior education akaes that is evenly and inclusive, as well as a national talent development center that is ready to compete at the global level but still stands on local and national values," he said.