President Prabowo: Foreign Language Learning to Start from First Grade of Primary School

President Prabowo Subianto has said that foreign language learning must begin from the first grade of primary school. The aim is to improve competence and serve as preparation for when they enter the workforce.

“We will start foreign languages for our children from the first grade of primary school. They must start foreign languages,” Prabowo said in his state address at the 2026 Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly and the Joint Session of the Regional Representatives Council and the House of Representatives at the MPR/DPR Building, Senayan, Jakarta, Friday (14/8/2026).

Prabowo said the foreign languages that need to be studied include English, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and French. He also added Russian, as he considers the country to have 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 proficiency needs to begin from primary education.

The Head of State said foreign language skills will provide more opportunities for Indonesian children when entering the international job market.