Prabowo: Foreign language learning to start from first grade of primary school

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that foreign language learning must begin from the first grade of primary school to enhance competence and equip children for the workforce. “We will start foreign languages for our children from primary school grade 1. They must start foreign languages,” Prabowo said during his state address at the 2026 Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPD and DPR at the MPR/DPR Building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday. Prabowo said the foreign languages that need to be studied include English, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and French. He also added Russian, judging that the country possesses strength in science and technology. “We must also learn Russian. They are strong in science and technology,” the President said. According to the President, children learn languages more quickly when they are under the age of 11-12. Therefore, foreign language mastery needs to begin from basic education. The Head of State said foreign language skills will provide more opportunities for Indonesian children when entering the international job market. “Our children must have access to the best education so that later, when they are looking for work, they have more capabilities, they can be accepted anywhere, they can work with any party,” he stated. Prabowo assessed that the demand for workers in various countries also opens opportunities for Indonesia. The President mentioned that a number of foreign leaders he met asked about the possibility of Indonesian workers being employed in their countries. According to him, Indonesian workers are needed in sectors such as tourism, hospitals, nursing, and caregiving, which require foreign language skills. Prabowo said Indonesian people are known to be friendly, tenacious, and polite. With the addition of foreign language skills, the President hopes Indonesian workers will become more competitive in the global market while strengthening the national economy. “Therefore, our workers are expected to become competitive globally and strengthen the Indonesian economy,” Prabowo said.