X Commission to Seek Clarification from Education Ministry on French Language Proposal

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the X Commission of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, has stated his committee will seek clarification from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) regarding the proposal to teach French.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed schools nationwide to include French in the curriculum. “Regarding the clarity of mandatory French lessons, we will ask Kemendikdasmen to explain during our working meeting,” Lalu said in a statement on Monday (1 June 2026).

He emphasised that while strengthening foreign language skills is important, education policies must be crafted based on national needs, teacher readiness, curriculum, and tangible benefits for students. If readiness is insufficient, implementation should be phased, offered as an elective, or introduced in specific schools.

Prabowo previously announced the directive after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 28 May 2026. “I have instructed all Indonesian schools to learn French, considering future global developments,” he said. He added the move is part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia-France relations.

This is not the first time Prabowo has mandated foreign language education. On 23 October 2025, during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Jakarta, he ordered Portuguese to be taught in schools. “As proof of our regard for Brazil, I have decided Portuguese will be a priority in Indonesia’s education curriculum,” he said.