Behind the Proposal for Mandatory French Lessons, Major Challenges in Teachers and Infrastructure
JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto’s proposal for all Indonesian schools to learn French has sparked varied responses. On one hand, the idea is seen as aligned with efforts to enhance young Indonesians’ foreign language skills. On the other hand, significant questions remain about teacher readiness, curriculum adjustments, and educational infrastructure to implement the policy. Human resources and disparities in educational facilities have become key concerns for lawmakers, education organisations, and linguistics experts.
The proposal originated during Prabowo’s working visit to Paris, France, where he met President Emmanuel Macron. ‘I have now instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must learn French, looking at future global developments,’ Prabowo stated during a joint press conference with Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday (28 May 2026). According to him, bilateral relations between the two countries are at their best and continue to grow thanks to Macron’s direct support. ‘Indonesia and France share similar stances on several issues, and our bilateral ties are strong — a result of Macron’s direct backing,’ Prabowo added.
In response, Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat said his ministry would study and follow up on the presidential instruction. ‘We will study and implement the President’s directive,’ Atip told Kompas.com on Friday (29 May 2026). Atip did not elaborate further on the mechanism or implementation plan for French lessons in schools.
The lack of government clarification has prompted legislative queries about the policy’s direction and readiness for implementation. Therefore, Lalu Hadrian called on the Ministry of Education to provide more detailed plans. ‘The public must not see this policy as merely part of international diplomacy without thorough educational planning,’ Lalu Hadrian said. He also proposed a phased rollout of French lessons, suggesting it be introduced as an elective or special program in select schools if government readiness is uneven.
The biggest concern centres on teacher availability. House of Representatives Commission X Chairman Hetifah Sjaifudian warned against burdening schools with new policies without adequate teaching staff. ‘Regarding the President’s directive to expand French lessons, clarity on school implementation is needed, especially as the strengthening of English as a compulsory subject has only just begun this year,’ Hetifah told Kompas.com on Sunday (31 May 2026). ‘The key focus must be on educational resource readiness, particularly teacher availability and competence,’ she added.