Indonesia to launch Integrated National Schools at 17 locations

Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education plans to start operating Integrated National Schools at 17 locations nationwide this year, according to officials. The initiative, part of a broader effort to enhance education quality, will initially focus on these 17 districts and cities, with long-term goals of expanding to 37 areas by the end of the year. Minister Abdul Mu’ti confirmed the rollout during a media briefing in Jakarta, emphasizing that the program aligns with directives from President Prabowo Subianto. The 17 initial locations include Bogor District, Cianjur District, Gowa District, Bone Bolango District, Tidore Islands City, the future capital Nusantara, Banyumas District, and Jepara District. Additional sites set to host the schools are Subulussalam City, Tarakan City, Donggala District, Bolaang Mongondow District, North Minahasa District, Kupang District, Central Buton District, Tebo District, and East Tanjung Jabung District. These schools will serve high-achieving students, with enrollment limited to those demonstrating exceptional academic performance. The program explicitly excludes the boarding school model, differentiating it from the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) initiative, which caters to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. To support the program, the ministry has secured an additional Rp9.12 trillion (approximately US$508 million) in funding. This financial boost comes as part of the government’s efforts to implement President Prabowo’s priorities. The funds will be allocated in two phases, starting with an initial disbursement of Rp204.5 billion. The ministry intends to use existing facilities from government institutions, regional authorities, and organizations such as the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) as temporary transition classrooms while permanent campuses are being constructed. Minister Mu’ti clarified that the Integrated National Schools are specifically tailored for students with high or above-average academic abilities. He emphasized that the schools will not operate on a boarding basis, ensuring that students can continue their studies in their local communities. The program is positioned as a strategic step toward achieving the government’s goal of preparing 500 such schools over time, with 20 schools anticipated to open for student admissions in the 2027/2028 academic year. The initiative builds upon previous announcements regarding the expansion of Integrated National Schools, including earlier reports of plans to establish 100 such schools in 2026. Officials have also reviewed the national school revitalization program in Bogor, indicating ongoing coordination and planning across different regions. The government continues to prioritize educational reform, aiming to improve access to quality education and create opportunities for academically gifted students. As the program progresses, the ministry will monitor its implementation and evaluate outcomes. The success of the Integrated National Schools will depend on factors such as infrastructure readiness, resource allocation, and the effectiveness of academic programs. With the initial phase set to begin this year, the ministry is working to ensure that all participating locations receive adequate support and that the schools meet the required standards. The ultimate aim remains to expand the network of Integrated National Schools across the country, contributing to the broader vision of enhancing Indonesia’s educational landscape.