Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian government is preparing to launch a top tier high school program called Garuda Top Tier High Schools. Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mediktisaintek), Stella Christie states that the initiative will include hiring international educators to teach at these schools.
While the majority of teachers will be local, Stella stated that some educators from abroad will be brought in to provide students with international perspectives.
“We still prioritize local teachers, but having a few international instructors could broaden students’ horizons, especially for those aiming to study abroad,” Deputy Minister Stella Christie said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, as reported by Tempo.
These foreign educators are expected to offer insights and guidance on navigating admissions processes at prestigious universities worldwide. However, Stella emphasized that most teaching staff at Garuda Top Tier High Schools would be Indonesian nationals.
Curriculum Designed for Global Success
The overarching goal of Garuda Top Tier High Schools is to prepare students for higher education at elite institutions. Extensive research was conducted to identify the most globally recognized curriculum, ultimately selecting the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Stella Christie states that the schools will adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which she claims increases the likelihood of admission to world-class universities by 30% compared to other curricula.
“The IB curriculum is more widely recognized globally and provides about 30% better chances for students to gain acceptance to top universities,” she said.
While acknowledging the strengths of Indonesia’s national curriculum, Stella noted its limited recognition among leading universities abroad.
“The decision to implement the IB curriculum was not about prioritizing foreign over local. It’s about achieving our objective of ensuring these students succeed internationally,” she added.
Stella also revealed plans to integrate local elements into the IB curriculum, such as religious studies and extracurricular activities rooted in Indonesian culture. “This will be a blend of the IB and national curricula,” she explained.
Initial Locations and Future Expansion
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) has identified four initial locations for Garuda Top Tier High Schools in 2025. According to Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, three confirmed sites include East Nusa Tenggara, Bangka Belitung, and North Sulawesi. A fourth location, Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara (IKN), remains under discussion.
The government aims to construct 40 Garuda Premier High Schools by 2029 as part of its broader educational development plan. The schools will provide boarding facilities and a specialized environment to cultivate students’ academic and personal growth.
“These schools are designed to support our brightest minds, offering them an education tailored for entry into world-class universities,” Satryo said during a press briefing on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Creating Pathways for Indonesia’s Top Talent
Satryo highlighted that the initiative targets exceptional students across the nation, ensuring they receive a world-class education that matches their potential. “This is our effort to create opportunities for outstanding students to excel and eventually contribute back to the country,” he remarked.
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The schools will focus on preparing graduates for admission into prestigious global universities. However, specific admission criteria for Garuda Top Tier High Schools have yet to be disclosed. “The key distinction lies in the boarding school concept, where students will be rigorously trained to secure their place in world-class universities,” Satryo said.
(Raidi/Agung)
