English to become compulsory in Indonesian elementary schools

[hartono]

English to become compulsory in Indonesian elementary schools​

File photo - An elementary school student yawns on the first day of school following a long holiday in Ternate, North Maluku, on March 30, 2026. (ANTARA FOTO/Andri Saputra/sgd)

East Lombok (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government plans to make English a compulsory subject in elementary schools starting in 2027, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said.

He made the statement while inaugurating an education revitalization program at a public vocational school in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday.

Mu'ti said his ministry is preparing supporting measures for the policy, including English training for elementary school teachers.

"Training will be provided gradually to elementary school teachers across Indonesia," he added.

Mu'ti said the policy is part of efforts to improve education quality and equip students with 21st-century skills from an early age.

"With earlier English mastery, Indonesian students are expected to compete on the global stage," he said.

Mu'ti emphasized that school revitalization and digitalization are not end goals, but part of efforts to improve the quality of education services.

"Therefore, the ministry is also focusing on improving teachers' qualifications and competencies," he said.

English to become compulsory in Indonesian elementary schools

The Indonesian government plans to make English a compulsory subject in elementary schools starting in 2027, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul ...

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