Jakarta, February 29, 2024 — Indonesia is gearing up for a massive overhaul of its school system, with President Prabowo Subianto announcing plans to renovate 60,000 schools across the archipelago starting in 2026. It’s a bold move, and one that signals a serious commitment to long-term development through education—but is it ambitious enough given the sheer scale of the need?
A National Renovation: Investing in Indonesia’s Future
The government aims to modernize learning environments nationwide, recognizing education as a cornerstone of progress.
- Indonesia has approximately 300,000 schools in total.
- The government intends to renovate all schools within a four-year timeframe.
- The initiative aims to create safer, more comfortable, and supportive learning spaces.
- Alongside renovations, plans are underway to establish elite schools in each province.
What’s the ultimate goal of this massive school renovation project? The president emphasized that education is not merely a pathway to individual success, but a fundamental “instrument of development, an instrument of welfare and an instrument of democracy.” He further stated that education, alongside healthcare, is crucial for poverty eradication.
The renovation program, unveiled during the inauguration of Malang Taruna Nusantara High School on Tuesday, is designed to ensure students have access to environments conducive to both academic achievement and character development. It’s a recognition that crumbling infrastructure can be a significant barrier to learning, and a proactive step towards leveling the playing field for students across Indonesia’s diverse landscape.
Beyond Repairs: Elevating Educational Standards
The government’s vision extends beyond simply fixing up existing schools. Plans are also in motion to establish at least one top-tier school in each of Indonesia’s provinces. These institutions will operate under either the Taruna Nusantara system or the Garuda High School model, serving as beacons of educational excellence.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the government intends to expand the network of Taruna Nusantara High Schools and construct at least 20 new Garuda High Schools throughout the country. These flagship schools will be equipped with modern facilities, rigorous curricula, and a broad geographic reach, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to receive a world-class education.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi highlighted the ongoing development of Taruna Nusantara campuses in Malang, Cimahi, and the nation’s future capital, Nusantara. He also noted that construction is currently underway at three additional locations – in North Sulawesi and South Sumatra – demonstrating a nationwide commitment to accelerating educational progress.
This comprehensive approach—renovating existing schools while simultaneously building new centers of excellence—suggests a long-term strategy for transforming Indonesia’s education system. The question now is whether the government can deliver on its promises and create a truly equitable and high-quality education system for all Indonesian students.
