President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly stressed the importance of\nmastering foreign languages from an early age, arguing it will help the\nyounger generation develop their education, scientific knowledge,\ntechnology, and careers. His latest statement on the matter was\ndelivered during the 2026 Annual Session of the People\u2019s Consultative\nAssembly and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives and the\nRegional Representatives Council at the parliament complex in Senayan,\nJakarta, on Friday (14\/8). Prabowo stated that foreign language lessons\nwill be introduced to students from the first grade of primary school.\n\u201cWe will gather the best teachers for all subjects, including foreign\nlanguages. Mastering foreign languages is an absolute must,\u201d Prabowo\nsaid.<\/p>\n
There are eight foreign languages he wants taught from an early age:\nEnglish, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, and\nRussian. Prabowo explained that the government will begin foreign\nlanguage instruction for children starting in the first grade of primary\nschool, focusing on the most important and widely spoken languages\nglobally. \u201cWe will start foreign languages for our children from primary\nschool, from grade one they must begin foreign languages, the most\nimportant languages, English, Mandarin, Arabic, also Japanese, Korean,\nSpanish, French,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Prabowo reasoned that foreign languages must be taught early because\nthey are easier to master at a young age. He added that language skills\nwill also facilitate children\u2019s future careers. \u201cFrom a young age, under\n11 or 12 years old, they learn faster. Our children must have access to\nthe best education so that when they enter the job market, they have\nsuperior abilities, they can be accepted anywhere, they can work with\nany party,\u201d he said. Prabowo noted that the languages chosen are from\ncountries that are now advanced, including Russian. \u201cWe understand now,\nChina\u2019s economy is the most dynamic, Japan is advanced, Korea is\nadvanced, France is advanced, many countries speak Spanish, many\ncountries speak French, many countries speak Arabic. We must also learn\nRussian, as they are strong in science and technology,\u201d Prabowo\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers,\nMukhtarudin, assessed that strengthening foreign language skills from an\nearly age is a strategic investment in building a generation of\nIndonesians ready to enter the global job market. \u201cWhat the President\nconveyed today is a grand vision to change the paradigm of our migrant\nworkers. We want to move from a workforce that is currently mostly in\nlow-skilled jobs towards professional workers who have competence and\ncan communicate globally,\u201d Mukhtarudin said. He revealed that the main\nobstacle for Indonesian migrant workers currently is language barriers.\nTherefore, Prabowo\u2019s directive to equip children with several foreign\nlanguages from an early age is a precise long-term investment.\nMukhtarudin believes the policy direction outlined by Prabowo is closely\nlinked to Indonesia\u2019s need to prepare a workforce capable of entering\nthe international job market. \u201cThe President has given a very clear\npicture that future competition is not only between countries but also\nbetween human resources. Therefore, we must prepare Indonesian children\nfrom the start to have the skills the world needs,\u201d Mukhtarudin said.\nAccording to Mukhtarudin, language skills will be a crucial asset when\nthe younger generation enters an international work environment.\nHowever, these skills must be accompanied by technical abilities,\ncertifications, technological mastery, and an understanding of the\nculture and regulations of destination countries.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/prabowo-pushes-for-eight-foreign-languages-to-be-taught-from-primary-school-1786762365", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }