Jakarta, Aug. 14 -- President Prabowo Subianto announced Friday that Indonesia plans to introduce foreign language instruction starting in the first grade of elementary school to boost students' global competitiveness and workforce readiness.

Speaking during his annual state address at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta, Prabowo emphasized that early childhood is the optimal time for language acquisition.

"We will introduce foreign languages to first-grade elementary students-they must start learning early," Prabowo said.

"Our children must have access to top-tier education so that when they enter the job market, they possess superior skills that allow them to work anywhere."

Prabowo outlined a broad list of target languages, including...