East Lombok, May 17 -- 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, Indone...