After Portuguese, French Now Made Compulsory in Indonesian Schools

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto has once again instructed schools to teach foreign languages, this time ordering French to be taught in schools and universities. The directive was given during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

‘I have now instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must learn French, considering future global developments,’ Prabowo said on Thursday.

This is not the first time the head of state has instructed students to learn foreign languages. ‘As proof of our regard for Brazil, I have decided that Portuguese will be one of the priority subjects in Indonesia’s education system,’ Prabowo previously stated. He also previously called for Mandarin to be taught in schools.

Prabowo said foreign language lessons could be delivered via interactive digital boards (PID) or smartboards distributed to all schools in Indonesia. ‘Mandarin as well — we want our students to be able to speak English, Mandarin, and other foreign languages. Starting from primary school,’ he added.

The move has raised questions among the public, as the implementation of Portuguese lessons remains unclear while new instructions for French have already been issued.

‘For clarity on the mandatory teaching of French in schools, we will ask the Ministry of Education to explain it during a committee meeting with us,’ said Lalu Hadrian Irfani, Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives’ Commission X, on Friday, 29 May 2026.

‘Previously, there was a proposal for Portuguese, but so far no follow-up actions have been seen in terms of roadmap, regulations, or implementation readiness,’ he added.

The PKB politician believes strengthening foreign language skills is important for the nation’s future.