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English has long been offered informally or as an elective in many Indonesian schools. However, it has only been a compulsory subject in public schools beginning at the junior high level, 6th to 9th grades.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti explained that the government plans to introduce these language lessons earlier to strengthen students’ abilities from a young age.

“Starting in 2027, English will become a mandatory subject beginning from the third grade of elementary school,” Abdul Mu’ti stated during a Sunday visit to East Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara Province, as reported by The Jakarta Globe.

Ahead of the rollout, the ministry is preparing nationwide support measures. This initiative includes providing extensive English-language training for elementary school teachers across the country.

According to Between Newsthe minister noted that this policy shift is part of a broader strategy to improve educational standards and equip students with the skills required in the modern global economy.

Earlier exposure to the language is expected to significantly improve the international competitiveness of Indonesian students.

Indonesia is the most populous country in Southeast Asia, with an estimated population of 287.9 million people according to Worldometer’s United Nations population projections.