French Language in Curriculum: DPR Commission X Seeks Education Ministry Clarification

President Prabowo Subianto wants French taught in Indonesian schools. DPR Commission X Deputy Chair Lalu Hadrian Irfani said a mapping of French language teachers’ distribution is needed. ‘Regarding human resource availability, we believe a mapping of the number and distribution of French teachers across Indonesia is necessary first. Education policy must be formulated based on national needs, teacher readiness, curriculum, and tangible benefits for students,’ Hadrian told journalists on Monday, 1 June 2026. Hadrian stated his commission would request clarification from the Ministry of Education during an upcoming working meeting, as there was previously a proposal to teach Portuguese. ‘However, as of now, there has been no clear follow-up regarding the Portuguese language teaching in terms of roadmap, regulations, or implementation readiness,’ he said. Hadrian added that the commission will first confirm whether the French language teaching plan is indeed a national education priority or merely a proposal. If readiness is not comprehensive, he said, implementation should be phased. ‘For example, as an elective subject or special program in specific schools before wider application,’ he said. ‘The public must not view this policy as merely part of international diplomatic agenda without thorough educational planning,’ he added. PGRI Chairman Unifah Rosyidi also commented on the French language proposal, saying it requires in-depth study. ‘French lessons are not unnecessary, but require thorough assessment,’ Unifah said. She noted that if human resources are available, French teaching can proceed. However, she expressed concern about a lack of French language teachers. ‘French can be an option if there’s sufficient human resource readiness. If not, alternatives should be chosen from languages with available teachers,’ she added. ‘Therefore, it’s not automatic; a thorough assessment, alignment, human resource readiness, and consultation with experts are needed,’ she continued. Previously, Prabowo stated he had instructed all Indonesian schools to teach French to students, citing future global developments. This was communicated during his visit to the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, 28 May, in front of Macron. ‘I have instructed all levels of schools in Indonesia to learn French, considering future global developments,’ Prabowo said.