Language is more than just a tool for communication—it is a bridge that connects people, cultures, and opportunities. In an increasingly globalized world, English has become the second most widely spoken language across nations and serves as a universal medium for the exchange of knowledge, technology, and international collaboration. For Indonesia, a country rich in linguistic and cultural diversity, making English a compulsory subject in the national education curriculum is not merely a practical necessity, but a strategic move to empower the next generation.

While Bahasa Indonesia functions as the national language and regional languages remain as the mother tongues in many communities, English holds a special place as the third most commonly used language in Indonesia. Understanding the global importance of English makes it increasingly clear why English education should be strengthened and prioritized in Indonesian schools.

English has transcended its origin as the native language of a few nations. It is now the lingua franca of the modern world—studied, taught, and used in more than 100 countries. It is the most widely learned foreign language globally, with over 1.5 billion people using it as either a first or second language. This makes it the world’s second most widely spoken language and the primary language of business, science, technology, entertainment, and academia.

Take the Internet, for example—most of its content operates in English. The majority of digital resources, scientific articles, and international media are written or translated into this language. From global conferences to academic journals and social media, English connects people who do not share the same mother tongue. Mastering English, therefore, means gaining access to the world’s largest repository of knowledge and opportunities.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is home to more than 700 regional languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world. Each local language carries its own cultural wealth and identity. Bahasa Indonesia, as the national language, serves as a unifying symbol bridging regional and ethnic differences.

However, the linguistic hierarchy in Indonesia generally follows this pattern: local languages as the first language, Bahasa Indonesia as the second, and English as the third. While this multilingual structure beautifully reflects Indonesia’s cultural depth, English’s position at the third tier often becomes a challenge.

In today’s fast-paced global era, that position can be a disadvantage. Limited English proficiency can reduce access to global information, weaken competitiveness in the international job market, and hinder students who wish to pursue education abroad. By making English a compulsory subject well-integrated into the curriculum, all Indonesian students—regardless of background—can have equal opportunities to thrive in a global society.

Education in the 21st century is no longer about memorizing facts but about preparing students to think critically, collaborate across cultures, and adapt to constant change. English supports all three goals.

First, English is the gateway to knowledge. Most scientific research—whether in science, technology, or economics—is published in English. Students proficient in English can access international journals, online courses, and global learning platforms that predominantly use this language.

Second, English fosters global citizenship. When Indonesian students learn English, they are not merely studying grammar but also learning about other cultures. They practice interacting with people from various backgrounds, understanding different perspectives, and appreciating diversity—skills essential for global cooperation and peacebuilding.

Third, English enhances employability. Many multinational companies operating in Indonesia require English communication skills. From tourism to the digital industry, English fluency is a major advantage. Even in local contexts, being able to read technical manuals, write reports, or attend international meetings in English significantly increases one’s professional value.

Some may worry that emphasizing English could erode local languages and cultural values. However, this concern arises from a misunderstanding of multilingual education. Making English a compulsory subject does not mean replacing the mother tongue or national language—it complements them.

Research in language education shows that mastering more than one language enriches a person’s cultural identity. By strengthening regional and national languages while adding English as a global skill, students develop more open and flexible mindsets. They can proudly express their Indonesian identity while confidently engaging with the international community.

The ideal educational model for Indonesia is a balanced one: nurturing Bahasa Indonesia and local languages as carriers of values and culture while positioning English as a medium for knowledge and global communication. Through this multilingual synergy, Indonesian students can grow into individuals deeply rooted in their culture yet capable of competing globally.

For English learning to be truly effective, the approach must go beyond memorizing grammar. Schools need to create environments that encourage everyday use of English. This can be achieved through English clubs, cultural exchange programs, bilingual science projects, and interactive learning technologies.

Teachers play a crucial role. They must be trained not only in language instruction but also in creative, engaging, and relevant teaching methods. English should not be seen as a difficult subject, but as a living language—a tool for understanding music, films, world news, and real communication with people across the globe.

Government support is also essential. Policies that provide continuous teacher training, modern learning resources, and equal access to quality English education across all regions will ensure that no student is left behind, whether in urban centers or rural areas.

Making English a mandatory subject in Indonesia’s education curriculum is not merely an educational reform—it is an investment in the nation’s future. In a world that grows more interconnected by the day, English proficiency will determine how influential Indonesia can be in the global conversation.

Students fluent in English will be better prepared to participate in international discussions, earn scholarships abroad, work in multinational environments, and bring back knowledge that benefits society. In this sense, English is not only the language of opportunity but also the language of empowerment.

Indonesia now stands at a crucial crossroads—rich in cultural and linguistic diversity, yet part of an increasingly globalized world. Making English a compulsory subject does not mean abandoning national identity; it is a step toward a more open and competitive future.

As the world communicates, innovates, and collaborates in English, Indonesia must ensure its young generation is not left behind. By mastering their mother tongue, cherishing Bahasa Indonesia, and learning English as a global bridge, Indonesian students can grow into multilingual global citizens—deeply rooted in their identity, yet ready to embrace the possibilities of the future.

In short, making English a mandatory subject is not just about learning a foreign language—it is about giving every Indonesian child a passport to the future.