Jakarta to make English compulsory for primary schools from 2027, introduces Portuguese to strengthen ties with Brazil

JAKARTA, Oct 28 — Indonesia will make English a compulsory subject for primary school students starting in 2027, as part of education reforms to enhance language proficiency and strengthen international engagement.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education announced that English lessons will be introduced from Year 3 of primary school under a 2025 regulation.

Minister Abdul Mu’ti said the initiative represents a key step toward improving the quality of basic education in Indonesia. “Beginning in 2027, English will be taught as a compulsory subject,” he told Metro TV News, adding that training qualified teachers to deliver the programme is a top priority.

In a related move, Portuguese has been added to the national curriculum to deepen diplomatic and cultural relations with Brazil. The decision was announced by President Prabowo Subianto during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Merdeka Palace last week.

“As a sign of the importance we place on 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 directed to develop teaching materials for Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. — Bernama