East Lombok, May 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Indonesian government plans to make English a compulsory subject in elementary schools nationwide beginning in 2027 as part of broader efforts to strengthen education quality and enhance students’ global competitiveness.
The announcement was made by Abdul Mu’ti while inaugurating an education revitalization programme at a public vocational school in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday.
The minister said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is currently preparing supporting measures for the implementation of the policy, including large-scale English language training programmes for elementary school teachers across the country.
“Training will be provided gradually to elementary school teachers across Indonesia,” Mu’ti said.
He noted that the introduction of compulsory English instruction is aimed at equipping students with essential 21st-century skills from an early age and improving the overall quality of national education.
“With earlier English mastery, Indonesian students are expected to compete on the global stage,” the minister said.
Mu’ti emphasized that the government’s ongoing school revitalization and digitalization initiatives are not final objectives in themselves, but part of wider efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of education services nationwide.
He added that the ministry is also prioritizing the enhancement of teachers’ qualifications and professional competencies to support long-term education reform and ensure effective implementation of the new curriculum policy.
