JAKARTA, Thekabarnews.com—The Indonesian government will make English a mandatory subject for elementary and secondary school students starting in the 2027/2028 academic year. This move marks a major shift in the national education strategy.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry says the policy aims to improve students’ practical English skills. It will focus on communication rather than memorizing grammar rules and translation exercises.

The current approach to teaching English usually fails because schools tend to regard the subject as mostly theory rather than a real communication tool. Vice Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Atip Latipulhayat shared his thoughts on the matter.

He said many students have been studying English for years. However, they still find it difficult to speak it confidently in everyday conversations.

“I want to emphasize that English should not be reduced to a subject to be taught. That is not going to make our students truly proficient if it is just a classroom lesson. It has to work as a tool for communication,” Atip said in an official press statement on Sunday, May 10, as quoted in KompasId.

“The traditional focus on translation and grammar theory tends to make English into a memorization exercise rather than a practical life skill,” he added.

The ministry believes students need more chances in school to practice spoken English in a natural way.

To support this transition, the government is preparing several major steps. These include improving the competence of teachers and education staff throughout the country.

Training programs will focus on helping teachers improve their English proficiency. As a result, teachers can create more interactive and conversational learning experiences.

The ministry has also called on schools to gradually develop English-speaking habits in everyday school life.

One suggestion is to have an “English Day” where students and teachers are required to speak English for one whole day every week.

The officials hope that this method will help students feel more confident. In addition, it will help them learn to overcome their fear of making mistakes.

Daily conversations for English practice not only enhance your language mastery but also develop your communication skills and self-confidence.

Atip emphasized that the initiative should extend beyond English teachers. He called on teachers of all subjects to improve their English. In this way, schools can build a wider culture of language learning.

The policy was part of Indonesia’s efforts to equip its students with more global competitiveness. This is especially important in higher education, international collaboration, and the modern workforce.

However, challenges remain, especially in remote areas where schools still lack qualified English teachers and access to supporting resources.

The government says the implementation will be gradual. This approach will ensure that schools can adapt without creating major inequality between urban and rural education systems.

As preparations continue, the policy sends a clear message: people no longer see English as an academic subject alone. Instead, it is a life skill essential to the future generation of Indonesia.

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