House Commission X Highlights Teacher Shortage Amid Prabowo's Push for Foreign Languages in Primary Schools

Chair of the House of Representatives’ Commission X, Hetifah Sjaifudian, has expressed appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s desire to have foreign languages taught from the first grade of primary school. However, Hetifah hopes children will be given the freedom to choose which foreign language they wish to master.

"First, we certainly appreciate that children are accustomed to being multilingual from an early age. Firstly, they must master and be proud to use the Indonesian language. But besides that, they also want to preserve their regional languages. And finally, of course, they should also master a foreign language," Hetifah told reporters at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026).

Hetifah stated that the plan is certainly not easy. Therefore, she urged the government to be meticulous and careful. "So, this is certainly not easy, especially if we want to teach everything. We have to plan this carefully and meticulously," she said.

Hetifah also hopes children can choose the foreign language they wish to learn so they feel happy while studying it. "In our view, children should certainly be allowed to choose what they like, their passion or their interest in a language. So later there will be an opportunity for them to learn a language they think will become their second or third language after their regional language," she said.

She also raised the issue of the availability of foreign language teachers. "Another thing to be wary of is the availability of teachers. Never mind foreign languages, even regional languages are becoming extinct now because there are no speakers," she added.

President Prabowo’s Statement

Previously, President Prabowo assessed that foreign language skills could make it easier for the younger generation to find work. Prabowo stated that foreign language learning would begin to be taught to students from the first grade of primary school.

"We will gather the best teachers for all subjects, including foreign languages. Mastering foreign languages is an absolute must," Prabowo said during his speech at the 2026 MPR Annual Session and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026).

Prabowo explained that the government would start foreign language learning from the first grade of primary school. The languages 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 the first grade, they must begin foreign languages; the most important languages: English, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and French," Prabowo stated.