Prabowo Mandates French Language in Indonesian Schools
President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to expand French language education in Indonesian schools during his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in France on Thursday, May 28. The initiative is part of strengthening strategic ties between Indonesia and France amidst global uncertainties.
Prabowo stated that Indonesia-France cooperation has rapidly developed across various sectors, including defence, science and technology, and education. In education, the government aims to deepen collaboration, particularly through strengthening French language instruction in schools.
“I have now instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must learn French, considering future global developments,” Prabowo said.
Beyond education, both nations discussed enhancing cooperation in defence, clean energy, research, and accelerating the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA). Prabowo expressed appreciation for Macron’s support in speeding up the agreement.
He also welcomed the establishment of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council, deemed vital for boosting investment and strengthening economic relations between the two countries.
“We aim to enhance cooperation to increase investment in both nations, and I am very pleased and supportive of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council,” he added.
On geopolitical issues, Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia and France share aligned views on maintaining global stability, particularly in the Middle East. He noted that conflicts in the region would directly impact global energy and supply chains.
Prabowo praised France’s support for a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel, reiterating Indonesia’s stance that peace in the Middle East is unattainable without Palestinian independence.
“Indonesia maintains that there can be no Middle East peace without a two-state solution and justice for the Palestinian people,” Prabowo stated.
He also emphasised Indonesia views France and Europe as key global powers capable of shaping balance in a multipolar world.
Prabowo assessed current Indonesia-France relations as the best in diplomatic history between the two nations, expressing gratitude for France’s warm reception of himself and the Indonesian delegation.
“This year alone, I have visited France three times. Last year, Indonesia was honoured to participate in the July 14 military parade, France’s national day,” he said, adding that this honour symbolises the strong bilateral ties, with Indonesia possibly being the first Asian nation to join the French national celebrations’ military parade.
In front of Macron and senior officials, Prabowo commended France’s international stance, noting Macron’s consistent, principled leadership.
“The leadership of President Macron on the international stage shows that the President of the French Republic is always willing to take positive, firm positions aligned with France’s principles,” he said.
On March 20, as in previous years, Indonesia and the world celebrated International French Language Day.