Prabowo mandates French language instruction across all educational levels

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the expansion of French language education across all levels of Indonesia’s education system as part of strengthening educational cooperation with France.

The statement was made during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Thursday local time.

“We aim to further enhance education. I have now instructed all Indonesian schools to teach French, in light of future global developments,” President Prabowo said in a statement streamed via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel from Jakarta on Thursday.

President Prabowo noted that cooperation between the two nations in science and technology continues to show positive progress.

He also stressed the importance of Indonesia and France’s role in maintaining global stability amid rising uncertainties.

Furthermore, President Prabowo emphasised that advances in science and technology have made the world more interconnected, meaning war and conflict would benefit no party.

“On several issues, Indonesia and France share similar positions, and our bilateral relations are currently strong. This is due to President Macron’s direct support,” President Prabowo said.

President Prabowo’s visit to France this week was to fulfil a delayed invitation from President Macron.

Issues to be discussed during the bilateral meeting include defence cooperation, clean energy, education, research, and the implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA).