STEM-Focused Garuda Schools in Indonesia Face Registration Challenges

Jakarta – Indonesia’s newly established Garuda Baru Superior High Schools, designed to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, have experienced lower-than-expected registration numbers, prompting a review of the program’s rollout. While the schools offer a unique boarding school experience with tuition-free education, initial registration figures have fallen short of targets.

Registration Extension and Current Status

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) initially aimed for 640 students across four Garuda Baru Superior High Schools, with 180 students per study group. However, registration was extended twice – from February 28, 2026, to March 14, 2026 – due to insufficient applications. According to Special Staff of Kemendiktisaintek, Tjitjik Sri Tjahjandarie, the development of the program is “not in line with expectations.”

“I think currently the development is not in line with expectations,” Tjitjik stated at a recent event on March 13, 2026.

Garuda School Program Overview

The Garuda School program, championed by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to provide quality, globally competitive education to Indonesian students. The initiative includes both newly constructed Garuda Baru Superior High Schools and the transformation of existing superior schools, such as Taruna Nusantara High School and MH Thamrin Superior High School. The latter have seen more enthusiastic registration numbers.

At least 80 percent of Garuda School students will receive full scholarships, ensuring access for high-achieving students from underprivileged families. The curriculum will adhere to national standards while incorporating the International Baccalaureate (IB) to strengthen academic capacity, character, critical thinking, and research skills.

School Locations and Requirements

The four Garuda Baru Superior High Schools opening for the 2026/2027 academic year are located in:

• South Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT)
• Tanjung Selor Regency, North Kalimantan
• South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi
• East Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung

Eligibility requirements include:

• Indonesian Citizenship
• Current 9th-grade students (SMP/MTs/equivalent)
• Maximum age of 21 years on July 1, 2026
• Priority given to outstanding students from economically disadvantaged families
• Willingness to reside in the school dormitory
• Commitment to participate in self-development programs
• Minimum scores of 85 in Indonesian, English, and Mathematics (semesters 1-5)
• Academic achievements in STEM fields (curated by Puspresnas and included in SIMT – optional)

Selection Schedule

• Registration: Open until March 14, 2026
• Phase II Selection (Academic Potential Test & Subject Tests): Week III of March 2026
• Phase III Selection (Interview): Week IV of March 2026
• Phase IV Selection (Medical Test): Week I of April 2026
• Results Announcement: Week I of May 2026
• New Student Orientation: Week III of May 2026

Interested students can still register at Garuda Baru Superior High School until March 14, 2026.