Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to Review Prabowo's French Language Directive

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has stated it will review President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to teach French in Indonesian schools, following his remarks during a visit to France. Deputy Minister Atip Latipulhayat said the ministry would follow up on the directive. “We will review and implement the President’s instructions,” he stated when contacted on Friday, 29 May 2026. Previously, President Prabowo explained why Indonesia should learn French from school. He stated that French is crucial for responding to future global developments. The directive was also conveyed directly to French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. Prabowo claimed that bilateral relations between Indonesia and France across various sectors are strong, and he hopes this will deepen with further educational cooperation. “I have now instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must learn French, in light of future global developments,” he said, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Thursday, 28 May 2026. According to Prabowo, the close bilateral ties between Indonesia and France are due to President Macron’s direct support. He believes that in an uncertain global geopolitical climate marked by tensions and conflicts, both nations can play a positive role. During the meeting, Prabowo acknowledged his frequent visits to France, having travelled there in January and April 2026. He expressed gratitude to Macron for the warm and respectful reception extended to him and the Indonesian delegation. “As you know, I have visited France three times this year alone,” he said. He also mentioned that Indonesia was invited as an honoured guest to the 2025 Bastille Day military parade. Prabowo noted Indonesia was the first Asian country to participate. “Last year, Indonesia received the great honour of being invited to the Bastille Day parade on 14 July, France’s national day. It is a tremendous honour,” he said. Indonesia’s strengthening of ties with various nations is not only through defence and diplomacy but also education, including foreign language instruction in schools. Prabowo previously instructed the teaching of Portuguese in Indonesian schools during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on 23 October 2025. At the time, he stated Portuguese would be a priority in foreign language education to strengthen ties with Brazil.