President Prabowo Subianto said he has instructed schools across Indonesia to begin introducing French language lessons as part of efforts to deepen bilateral ties with France, particularly in education, science, and technology.
Speaking during a state visit in Paris on Thursday, Prabowo said the move reflected Indonesia’s intention to strengthen long-term cooperation with France amid growing global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
“I have instructed that schools at all levels in Indonesia should begin learning French, considering future global developments,” Prabowo said during a speech at Élysée Palace, according to a livestream broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat.
Prabowo emphasized that relations between Indonesia and France were currently at a very positive stage. He added that both countries could play a constructive role internationally, especially in maintaining peace and expanding collaboration in strategic sectors.
The Indonesian leader said he believed Indonesia and France could contribute positively to global stability at a time when many regions were facing heightened tensions and uncertainty.
“Indonesia will always encourage every effort to maintain peace,” he said.
Prabowo officially began his state visit to France on Thursday after arriving in Paris earlier this week. He was welcomed at the Élysée Palace by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
During the visit, Prabowo wore a gray double-breasted suit paired with a blue tie and a traditional black peci cap. Several Indonesian officials had arrived earlier as part of the presidential delegation, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani, Higher Education and Science Minister Brian Yuliarto, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Indonesian Ambassador to France M Oemar.
Prabowo’s remarks on French language learning in Indonesian schools came as Jakarta seeks to expand cooperation with France beyond traditional diplomatic and defense ties. The Indonesian government has increasingly highlighted education, scientific research, and technological development as key pillars of its international partnerships.
The proposal to introduce French language education nationwide could also mark a broader push by Indonesia to diversify foreign language learning beyond English and other commonly taught languages. French remains one of the most widely spoken international languages and is used extensively in diplomacy, global organizations, academia, and business.
Prabowo has visited France multiple times over the past year, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship. Indonesian officials have described the partnership as increasingly strategic, particularly as both countries seek stronger collaboration in defense, economic investment, higher education, and technological innovation.
The visit to Paris is also part of broader diplomatic outreach by Indonesia aimed at strengthening ties with European countries amid shifting global political and economic dynamics.
