DPR Commission X Calls on Government to Review French Language Plan

Deputy Chair of DPR Commission X, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, has called on the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to clarify plans to implement French language instruction in schools. The initiative is reportedly a directive from President Prabowo Subianto.

While strengthening foreign language skills is important, Lalu Hadrian cautioned against hasty policy-making without considering the readiness of the national education system. ‘Previously, there was talk of Portuguese language instruction, but to date, there has been no clear roadmap, regulation, or implementation readiness,’ stated the PKB politician in a written statement on Friday, 29 May 2026.

Lalu Hadrian stressed that education policies must align with national needs, ensuring preparedness of teachers, curriculum, and tangible benefits for students. He warned that President Prabowo’s remarks to French President Emmanuel Macron should not merely serve as international diplomatic gestures. ‘Public perception must not view this policy as purely an international diplomatic move without robust educational planning,’ he said.

During an upcoming working meeting with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, DPR Commission X will seek a full explanation of the plan within national education policy. If implementation readiness is insufficient, Lalu Hadrian urged a phased rollout rather than an immediate nationwide introduction. ‘If readiness is not comprehensive, implementation should be gradual, as an elective subject, or a special programme in select schools,’ he added.

Prabowo instructed Indonesian schools to implement French language instruction during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. He previously stated that Indonesia-France bilateral relations across various sectors are strong and expressed a desire to enhance educational cooperation.

‘I have now instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must learn French, considering future global developments,’ Prabowo stated on Thursday afternoon, 28 May 2026, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.

Prabowo attributed the close bilateral ties to President Macron’s direct support, adding that both nations can play a positive role in the current uncertain, tense, and conflict-ridden global geopolitical landscape.

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) stated it would review Prabowo’s directive. ‘We will study and follow up on the President’s guidance,’ said Deputy Minister Atip Latipulhayat when contacted on Friday, 29 May 2026.

Prabowo previously instructed the teaching of Portuguese in Indonesian schools during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on 23 October 2025. At the time, he cited Portuguese as a priority foreign language to strengthen ties with Brazil.