Sidoarjo, E Java (ANTARA) – Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti is pushing for the development of sports-based schools across various regions in Indonesia to cultivate elite athletes from an early age.During his visit to the East Java State Sports High School (SMANOR) in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Tuesday, Mu’ti stated that schools like SMANOR are ideal for producing high-performing young athletes.”Schools with specialized curricula and flexible learning systems effectively support the needs of students who are also undergoing intensive training programs. We hope to see this model expanded to other regions across Indonesia,” he remarked.He noted that there are currently very few schools at the primary or secondary education levels in Indonesia that focus specifically on sports education.The minister affirmed that his ministry has established talks with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to introduce specialized sports classes in several schools throughout the country.According to him, this scheme would allow schools to establish special classes for student-athletes, focusing on talent development and supported by collaboration between the government and the private sector.”I hope that models like SMANOR can be expanded to other provinces in Indonesia, either as dedicated sports-based schools or through specialized sports classes in existing schools,” Mu’ti said.He affirmed that the ministry will explore various options to provide the necessary support to realize the initiative.Meanwhile, Head of the East Java Education Office Aries Agung Paewai emphasized that his office will continue supporting the upgrading of sports facilities at SMANOR.This effort aims to better accommodate student-athletes as they prepare to compete in national and international competitions.Paewai added that the minister’s visit serves as an important opportunity to showcase SMANOR’s potential while encouraging greater central government support for regional athlete development.