DPR Deputy Speaker: Not All Foreign Languages Need to Be Mandatory from Primary School

Lalu Hadrian Irfani, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), has stated that not all foreign languages need to be made compulsory subjects from the first grade of primary school. He was responding to President Prabowo Subianto’s wish for students to begin learning languages such as Mandarin, French, and Russian from an early age.

“I do not see the necessity for all of these languages to be imposed as mandatory subjects for every student,” Hadrian told reporters on Saturday (15/8/2026).

He argued that what should be encouraged is flexibility in choosing foreign languages, taking into account regional potential and needs, the availability and competence of teachers, as well as relevance to future educational and employment opportunities.

“We must ensure that a conceptually excellent policy does not become difficult to implement evenly because each school has different levels of readiness. We have to guarantee the availability of teachers, teaching materials, and supporting facilities so that this policy does not add to the students’ burden or become a mere formality,” Hadrian said.

Nevertheless, Hadrian welcomed Prabowo’s desire for foreign languages to be taught from the primary school level. He believes that foreign language skills are an important asset for the younger generation to face the world of work and interact in a global environment.

“However, its implementation must still prioritise the foundations of basic education, especially literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and character building,” he added.

He noted that introducing foreign languages from primary school is a positive step, provided it is carried out gradually. “Mandarin and other foreign languages have strategic value, whether in the context of international relations, the economy, education, or geopolitical developments,” Hadrian said.

Previously, Prabowo announced that the government would begin foreign language instruction for children starting from the first grade of primary school. The languages to be taught, he said, are those considered most important and widely used in various countries.

“We will start foreign languages for our children from primary school. From grade 1, they must begin learning foreign languages; the most important ones: English, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and French,” Prabowo stated during his speech at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the DPR and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) in 2026 at the Parliamentary Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026).

Prabowo reasoned that foreign languages need to be taught early because children learn them more easily. He added that mastering foreign languages would also facilitate their future careers.

“From a young age, under 11 or 12 years old, they learn faster. Our children must have access to the best education so that later, when they enter or seek employment, they have more skills, can be accepted anywhere, and can work with anyone,” he said.