Jakarta, May 29, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced the expansion of French language learning across all levels of education in Indonesia as part of efforts to strengthen educational and cultural cooperation with France.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday (May 28 local time), President Prabowo said the initiative aims to better prepare Indonesian students for future global developments.
“We aim to strengthen education. I have instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must learn French language, considering the global development in the future,” he said in a statement broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
He emphasized that proficiency in foreign languages, including French, is essential for preparing the younger generation to adapt to rapidly evolving global dynamics, particularly amid strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and France across multiple sectors.
President Prabowo noted that cooperation between the two countries in science and technology has shown steady progress, while highlighting the importance of both nations in maintaining global stability in an increasingly uncertain international environment.
He further stated that advancements in science and technology have made the world more interconnected, reducing the relevance of conflict and war. He also underlined that Indonesia and France share aligned positions on several international issues.
“In several respects, Indonesia and France share the same stance, and our bilateral relationship is currently very good. This is due to President Macron’s direct support,” he added.
President Prabowo’s visit to France this week was made in response to a previously extended invitation by President Macron.
The bilateral discussions also covered cooperation in defense, clean energy, education, research, and the implementation of the Indonesia–European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).
