Prabowo wants French to enter Indonesian schools

Prabowo Wants French to Enter Indonesian Schools (Photo: Laily Rachev - Presidential Secretariat Press, Media, and Information Bureau)

PARIS - President Prabowo Subianto wants French to be taught in Indonesian schools. He made the statement when he met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, Paris, Thursday, May 28.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, held a bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, at the Élysée Palace, Paris, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

During the bilateral meeting, President Prabowo was accompanied by a number of ministers and high officials, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Investment and Industrialization/Head of BKPM Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the French Republic Mohamad Oemar.

Prabowo said that relations between Indonesia and France are at a very good point. Cooperation between the two countries also extends from defense, science, technology, to education.

"In the field of education we want to be improved further. Now I have instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must learn French," said Prabowo.

He assessed that Indonesia and France could play a positive role in the midst of a world full of tension and conflict.

Prabowo also said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries must be translated into more concrete, balanced, and impactful cooperation.

According to the President, the discussion with Macron covers defense, education, research, implementation of the Indonesia-European CEPA, and increasing investment.

"War and conflict cannot bring good for anyone," he said.