Samarinda, East Kalimantan is set to elevate its educational landscape with the inauguration of a new international standard integrated school. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Minister of Education and Culture Abdul Mu'ti officially opened the facility in Loa Bakung. This significant development merges three existing educational institutions: SD Negeri 028, SMP Negeri 16, and SMA Prestasi. The ambitious project spans 1.8 hectares and was funded by a regional budget of Rp70 billion, representing a forward-thinking approach to nurturing future generations.
The state-of-the-art campus is equipped with modern amenities designed to foster a dynamic learning environment. These include advanced laboratories, digital learning rooms, a comprehensive multimedia library, and dedicated sports and arts facilities. A key feature of this integrated school is its bilingual education system, which harmoniously blends the national Merdeka Belajar curriculum with the globally recognized Cambridge curriculum. This strategic integration aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that is both locally relevant and internationally competitive.
Mayor of Samarinda, Andi Harun, and Deputy Mayor Saefuddin Zuhri, inspected the facilities on July 24, 2025. They expressed their satisfaction with the readiness of the school, noting only minor improvements were needed. Mayor Harun envisions this institution as a beacon of global-based education, a model that can inspire educational advancements across Indonesia. His aspiration is to cultivate students who are not only academically proficient but also possess strong character and ethical values.
The establishment of this integrated school is a testament to Samarinda's commitment to enhancing educational quality and preparing its youth for the challenges and opportunities of a globalized world. This initiative aligns with broader efforts in East Kalimantan to improve educational standards. The integration of the Merdeka and Cambridge curricula is a strategic move, acknowledging the strengths of both systems to create a robust educational framework. While the Merdeka curriculum emphasizes character development and lifelong learning, the Cambridge curriculum is lauded for its international reputation and rigorous academic standards. The school's modern infrastructure and innovative curriculum are poised to make a significant impact on the region's educational future.