Banjarmasin, 8 October 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya, representing President Prabowo Subianto, inaugurated the Garuda Transformation School at SMAN Banua, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Wednesday (8/10). The inauguration was part of a simultaneous launch of 16 Garuda Schools across Indonesia, consisting of 4 newly established schools and 12 transformed schools.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, meninjau Sekolah Garuda Transformasi di SMAN Banua, Banjarmasin, Kalimantan Selatan, Rabu (08/10/2025).
The Garuda School Program is an initiative under President Prabowo’s Quick Best Result Program (PHTC) to develop Indonesian talents capable of competing in world-class universities. “The Garuda Schools will become a new hope for quality education and help address Indonesia’s lag in science and technology,” President Prabowo stated in his remarks delivered via video.
Data shows that from Indonesia’s population of 284 million, only 62,800 students pursue education abroad. This number is significantly lower compared to China (1 million students), India (622 thousand), and Nigeria (112 thousand). The government targets cultivating 80 Garuda Transformation Schools and building 20 new Garuda Schools by 2029.
“Today we witness the establishment of the Garuda Transformation School in South Kalimantan, an effort by President Prabowo to transform Indonesian education and produce future leaders on the road to Golden Indonesia 2045,” said the Minister of Creative Economy in his remarks.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Garuda Schools are designed to expand access to high-quality education and produce globally minded, academically excellent students who remain grounded in local values.
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky also shared personal experiences from his high school years, including military education abroad, which he described as a strong foundation for his career today.
SMA Negeri Banua.
“Continue to innovate, create, and be confident in line with President Prabowo’s vision. He wants the best sons and daughters of Banua to become strong and innovative cadres, not only at the national level but also with opportunities to excel globally,” he stated.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Tommy Prabowo, English teacher at Garuda School Banua, welcomed the school’s designation as both a valuable opportunity and a challenge. “On the shoulders of Garuda teachers rests the responsibility to shape adaptive, creative, and strong-character students who will contribute to Indonesia’s development from South Kalimantan,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by South Kalimantan Governor H. Muhidin; Deputy Governor Hasnuryadi Sulaiman; Inspector II of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology Waluyo; Government Communications Spokesperson Ujang Komaruddin; SMAN Banua Principal Risa Lisdariani; as well as members of the regional parliament and local government officials.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Public Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
