DPR Commission X Urges Prabowo to Avoid Hasty French Language Policy in Schools

DPR Commission X deputy chairman Lalu Hadrian Irfani has commented on President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for all Indonesian schools to teach French. Lalu stated his committee will seek clarification from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) regarding the plan during a working meeting with DPR Commission X. ‘Regarding the clarity of mandatory French language classes in schools, we will certainly ask Kemendikdasmen to explain during our working meeting. Previously, there was talk of Portuguese, but there has been no follow-up on roadmap, regulations, or implementation readiness,’ Lalu Hadrian said in a statement, quoted on Sunday, 31 May 2026. He acknowledged that strengthening foreign language skills is important for facing global challenges. However, education policies must not be hastily formulated without considering the readiness of the national education system. ‘We recognise the importance of enhancing foreign language skills, but education policies must be based on national needs, teacher readiness, curriculum, and tangible benefits for students,’ he said. The PKB politician warned that the policy should not be perceived by the public as merely part of international diplomatic agenda. ‘The public must not view this policy solely as part of international diplomacy without proper educational planning,’ he added. Furthermore, DPR Commission X will first verify the policy’s position within the national education agenda. If implementation readiness is not comprehensive, French language teaching should be rolled out gradually. ‘If readiness is lacking, implementation should be phased, as an elective subject or special programme in certain schools,’ he stressed. Previously, President Prabowo Subianto instructed all levels of Indonesian schools to learn French during a speech at his working visit to France on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Prabowo stressed that Indonesia and France have a strong bilateral relationship, particularly in defence and science and technology.