Indonesian Diaspora in France Supports French Language Learning in Schools

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Members of the Indonesian diaspora in France have expressed support for President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction that schools in Indonesia begin teaching French. Scientist Angga Perima noted that learning a third language provides strong cognitive benefits.

“I support this initiative because studying another language--such as French--enhances brain function, even in the face of aging, stress, or potential neurological decline,” Angga told RRI.CO.ID on Friday, May 28, 2026.

He added that learning languages beyond Indonesian and English keeps the brain active, flexible, and better trained for complex tasks.

According to Angga, the time required to master French depends on consistency and dedication. For example, studying two hours a day, five days a week, can yield noticeable progress within six months.

With five to six hours of daily study, proficiency may be achieved in just three months. Focused learners, he said, could reach advanced fluency (C2 level) within two to three years.

“If you study intensively--four to six hours a day, five days a week--you’ll start to see results in three months. For full mastery at the C2 level, two to three years of consistent effort is enough,” he explained.

Asked whether French is difficult to learn, Angga acknowledged that every language has its own challenges. In French, grammatical gender affects adjectives and articles, while verb conjugations change depending on subject and tense.

However, he noted that English shares many similarities with French, making the learning process relatively easier for those already proficient in English.

“In French, ‘I do’ and ‘He does’ use different verb forms, which requires adjustment. But for learners familiar with English, the similarities make it less daunting. Difficulty is always relative,” Angga said.

President Prabowo Subianto previously announced the policy during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

“I have instructed that all levels of Indonesian schools must begin teaching French,” President Prabowo stated, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with France. (Diva Rifdah)