In a bold step toward global education reform, Indonesia has announced that English will become a mandatory subject for primary school students starting in 2027. The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, aims to boost international communication skills among young learners and better prepare them for global opportunities.
Under the new 2025 regulation, English will be introduced from Year 3 of primary school. Minister Abdul Mu’ti emphasized that this move represents a pivotal moment in improving the country’s education quality. “From 2027, English will be taught as a compulsory subject,” he stated, noting that the government’s immediate focus is on training qualified teachers to ensure effective language instruction.
Beyond English, Indonesia is also expanding its linguistic horizon by introducing Portuguese as a priority subject. This initiative is part of a larger diplomatic and cultural effort to strengthen ties with Brazil, one of Latin America’s largest economies.
During a recent meeting at Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo Subianto and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced the inclusion of Portuguese in Indonesia’s national curriculum. “As a demonstration of how highly we value Brazil, Portuguese will become one of the priority languages in Indonesia’s education curriculum,” said President Prabowo.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, will now develop specialized teaching materials and training programs to bring this initiative to life.
This forward-looking policy highlights Indonesia’s commitment to equipping the next generation with linguistic tools to connect, collaborate, and thrive in a globalized world. By introducing these languages early in the education journey, Indonesia is not only investing in its youth—but also strengthening its bridges to the world.
