Prabowo Instructs Students to Learn French, DPR Will Ask for Explanation from the Ministry of Education and Culture

Illustration of learning activities at school (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, highlighted President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto's statement instructing all schools in Indonesia to teach French to students.

Then said, his party would ask for an official explanation from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) regarding the clarity of the plan in the Working Meeting (Raker) with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

"Regarding the clarity of compulsory learning of French at school, we will certainly ask the Ministry of Education to explain it to the Raker with us later. Because previously there was also a discourse on Portuguese, but until now there has been no follow-up either in terms of the roadmap, regulations, or readiness for implementation," said Lalu Hadrian to reporters, May 29.

The instruction was conveyed by President Prabowo in front of French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting at the Élysée Presidential Palace, Paris, Thursday, May 28.

According to the PKB legislator from the NTB Dapil, strengthening foreign language skills is indeed important in facing global challenges. However, he assessed that education policies should not be hastily drafted without considering the readiness of the national education system.

"We consider strengthening foreign language skills is important. However, education policies must be formulated based on national needs, the readiness of educators, the curriculum, and the real benefits for students," he said.

The head of the commission which deals with education also reminded that the policy should not be perceived by the public as only part of the international diplomatic agenda.

"Don't let the public see this policy as just part of an international diplomatic agenda without careful planning for education," said Lalu.

Then said, Commission X of the DPR RI will first ensure the position of the policy in the national education agenda. If the readiness for implementation is not yet comprehensive, said Lalu, then the implementation of French language teaching should be done gradually.

"If the readiness is not yet comprehensive, then its implementation should be carried out gradually, as an elective subject, or a special program at certain schools," he concluded.