Gov’t Accelerates Construction of SMA Unggul Garuda Baru, Prepares First Cohort of High-Achieving Students for July 2026

The Government is committed to ensuring equitable access and quality education throughout the country through the development of SMA Unggul Garuda Baru (New Excellence High Schools) in South Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi province, which is now nearing completion.

This boarding school is designed to nurture high-achieving students in science, technology, and innovation, thereby strengthening the nation’s human resources from an early stage of education.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto during the inspection of the school construction stated that the school building is the primary focus in the ongoing works, as it will be the first facility used for teaching and learning activities.

At present, construction progress on the school building has reached approximately 87.58 percent, with structural and functional completion targeted for July this year.

In general, construction is targeted to reach 90 percent by July 2026.

The Government, through Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, will therefore conduct regular monitoring to ensure the development stays on track.

The Minister instructed that the construction process be completed according to schedule, while making the safety and security of students the highest priority once the facilities begin operation.

The Minister also confirmed the construction of supporting facilities, such as the cafeteria and kitchen, is being carried out in parallel with the development of the main school building.

He added that student dormitories and teachers’ housing are also being built to ensure comfort and readiness for the educators who will serve at the school.

A total of 307 high-achieving students from across Indonesia have been selected as the first cohort to attend SMA Unggul Garuda Baru. Student mobilization is scheduled for 16–19 July 2026, and official teaching and learning activities will commence on 20 July 2026.

The construction of the SMA Unggul Garuda Baru is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s Quick Wins Program (Program Hasil Terbaik Cepat/PHTC), which is designed to accelerate equitable access to quality education across Indonesia.

The Government is currently constructing four Unggul Garuda Baru schools across the country, located in Bangka Belitung province, North Kalimantan province, Southeast Sulawesi province, and East Nusa Tenggara province.

Through a boarding school model, an innovative curriculum, and a strong emphasis on character development and leadership, the school aims to prepare graduates with outstanding, globally competitive competencies in science and technology, enabling them to pursue higher education at the world’s leading universities. (PR of Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology/DND/MAN – PR of Ministry of State Secretariat) (RAS/EP)