Prabowo Pushes for Eight Foreign Languages to Be Taught from Primary School

President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly stressed the importance of mastering foreign languages from an early age, arguing it will help the younger generation develop their education, scientific knowledge, technology, and careers. His latest statement on the matter was delivered during the 2026 Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8). Prabowo stated that foreign language lessons will be introduced to students from the first grade of primary school. “We will gather the best teachers for all subjects, including foreign languages. Mastering foreign languages is an absolute must,” Prabowo said.

There are eight foreign languages he wants taught from an early age: English, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, and Russian. Prabowo explained that the government will begin foreign language instruction for children starting in the first grade of primary school, focusing on the most important and widely spoken languages globally. “We will start foreign languages for our children from primary school, from grade one they must begin foreign languages, the most important languages, English, Mandarin, Arabic, also Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French,” he stated.

Prabowo reasoned that foreign languages must be taught early because they are easier to master at a young age. He added that language skills will also facilitate children’s future careers. “From a young age, under 11 or 12 years old, they learn faster. Our children must have access to the best education so that when they enter the job market, they have superior abilities, they can be accepted anywhere, they can work with any party,” he said. Prabowo noted that the languages chosen are from countries that are now advanced, including Russian. “We understand now, China’s economy is the most dynamic, Japan is advanced, Korea is advanced, France is advanced, many countries speak Spanish, many countries speak French, many countries speak Arabic. We must also learn Russian, as they are strong in science and technology,” Prabowo said.

Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, Mukhtarudin, assessed that strengthening foreign language skills from an early age is a strategic investment in building a generation of Indonesians ready to enter the global job market. “What the President conveyed today is a grand vision to change the paradigm of our migrant workers. We want to move from a workforce that is currently mostly in low-skilled jobs towards professional workers who have competence and can communicate globally,” Mukhtarudin said. He revealed that the main obstacle for Indonesian migrant workers currently is language barriers. Therefore, Prabowo’s directive to equip children with several foreign languages from an early age is a precise long-term investment. Mukhtarudin believes the policy direction outlined by Prabowo is closely linked to Indonesia’s need to prepare a workforce capable of entering the international job market. “The President has given a very clear picture that future competition is not only between countries but also between human resources. Therefore, we must prepare Indonesian children from the start to have the skills the world needs,” Mukhtarudin said. According to Mukhtarudin, language skills will be a crucial asset when the younger generation enters an international work environment. However, these skills must be accompanied by technical abilities, certifications, technological mastery, and an understanding of the culture and regulations of destination countries.