Indonesia Holds Second-Stage Selection for New Garuda Excellence School Program

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia continues to improve human resource development through the national selection process for the new Garuda Excellence School (Garuda School). It is a government initiative designed to develop and enhance high-quality educational institutions, primarily at the senior secondary school level.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology held the second-stage entrance examination at 43 locations across the country simultaneously on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

According to an official statement released by the ministry, this stage includes an Academic Potential Test and subject-based exams covering Mathematics, Bahasa Indonesia, and English. A total of 1,334 participants took part in the test out of 1,478 applicants who passed the first stage.

Previously, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, stated that the program is part of efforts to follow up on directives from President Prabowo Subianto to develop high-quality human resources.

“High-quality human resources are the key to national development. The launch of the Sekolah Garuda selection is an initial foundation to prepare Indonesia’s future leaders,” he said in January.

He explained that Sekolah Garuda is designed as an educational ecosystem with an international-standard curriculum, adequate learning facilities, and qualified educators. The school also focuses on developing talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while fostering character building and global perspectives among students.

“All students at Sekolah Garuda will be fully funded through state scholarships. Access to quality education is not determined by economic background, but by potential, achievement, and hard work,” he emphasized.

The second-stage test for Java and Bali was conducted at five locations, including Universitas Gunadarma in Depok. One participant, Stefanus Christian Julianto, expressed his enthusiasm about taking part in the test and hopes to be accepted into the program.

“I feel happy. Even though there were some questions I had not studied yet, I am confident because I prepared as best as I could and I entrusted everything to God,” he said.

Another participant, Labib Nafi Sadoni, also expressed confidence in competing with other participants from across Indonesia.

“This selection is followed by many participants from across the country who compete fairly at the national level, but I am confident I can compete with others,” he said.