Minister: Foreign languages in primary schools are for introductory purposes
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has said that foreign language instruction mentioned by President Prabowo Subianto in his speech is introductory in nature, unlike English which will be made compulsory in primary schools starting in 2027.
“The other languages will be introductory only. But at higher levels, some schools are already doing this. Some schools already teach foreign languages other than English, including Mandarin and Korean,” he said in Jakarta on Friday.
He made the statement in response to journalists’ questions about foreign language lessons such as Mandarin, French, Spanish and Arabic mentioned in the President’s state address.
He said several countries have offered personnel who can assist in teaching foreign languages according to their respective countries.
Regarding English, he said that English will become a compulsory subject starting from grade 3 of primary school, as of 2027.
President Prabowo Subianto has said that foreign language learning must begin from grade 1 of primary school to improve competence and as preparation for entering the workforce.
“We will start foreign languages for our children from grade 1 of primary school. They must start foreign languages,” he said in his state address at the 2026 Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly and the Joint Session of the Regional Representatives Council and the House of Representatives at the MPR/DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta.
He also highlighted the importance of Russian because the country has strength in science and technology.
According to the President, children learn languages more quickly when they are under 11-12 years old.
Therefore, foreign language proficiency needs to begin from primary education.
The Head of State said foreign language skills will provide more opportunities for Indonesian children when entering the international job market.
Prabowo assessed that labour demand in various countries also opens opportunities for Indonesia.
He mentioned that a number of foreign leaders he met asked about the possibility of Indonesian workers working in their countries.
Indonesian workers, according to him, are needed in sectors including tourism, hospitals, nursing and caregiving, which require foreign language skills.
He said Indonesians are known for being friendly, hardworking and polite.
With additional foreign language skills, the President hopes Indonesian workers will become more competitive in the global market while strengthening the national economy.