JAKARTA, Oct 28 — Indonesia will make English a compulsory subject for primary school students beginning in 2027, as part of education reforms aimed at improving language proficiency and broadening global engagement.
In addition, Portuguese will be introduced as a priority subject as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties with Brazil.
The new policy, announced by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, mandates English lessons from Year 3 of primary school under a 2025 regulation.
Minister Abdul Mu’ti expressed hope that the move would mark an important milestone in improving the quality of basic education in Indonesia.
“From 2027, English will be taught as a compulsory subject,” he was quoted by Metro TV News as saying, adding that preparing qualified teachers to deliver the lessons is a top priority.
In an effort to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties with Brazil, President Prabowo Subianto announced that Portuguese has been added to Indonesia’s national curriculum. He made the announcement alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during their meeting at Merdeka Palace last week.
“As a demonstration of how highly we value Brazil, Portuguese will become one of the priority languages in Indonesia’s education curriculum,” Prabowo said.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, together with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has been tasked with developing teaching materials for Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. — Bernama
Jakarta makes English mandatory for primary students from 2027, adds Portuguese to boost Brazil ties
