Denny JA: Indonesia-France Relations Extend Beyond Economic and Diplomatic Contracts

Political consultant Denny JA stated that the deepening relationship between Indonesia and France is more than just a story of two nations strengthening bilateral cooperation. Amid a world increasingly divided by major power rivalries, this partnership carries deeper significance.

According to Denny JA, who attended a state banquet at the Élysée Palace in Paris on 28 May 2026, the intensifying Indonesia-France ties could serve as a new model for middle powers seeking sovereignty without becoming satellites of any major power.

‘The world is entering a new era. Many countries want to stand on their own feet, forming partnerships that benefit their people. Indonesia and France are showing the way,’ Denny JA said in an official statement on Friday (29 May).

Denny JA attended in his capacity as Chairman of Pertamina Hulu Energy, given that energy is a key pillar of cooperation between the two nations. He stated that today’s Indonesia-France relationship goes beyond mere economic contracts or ordinary diplomacy; it symbolises the emergence of a new network of middle powers that believe in multilateralism, independence, and self-determination.

‘I have long heard of Macron’s prowess,’ Denny JA remarked.

Macron made history by winning the French election, defeating two major parties that had dominated French politics for decades. He built his movement from almost nothing and seized the Élysée Palace at a relatively young age.

However, Macron’s prowess extends beyond domestic politics. On the global stage, he is one of the few Western leaders bold enough to speak of Europe’s strategic autonomy. He has repeatedly warned that Europe must not remain dependent on the United States for security, technology, and economic matters.

‘Macron is a major geopolitical player because he dares to consider his country’s place in history, not just in the next electoral cycle,’ Denny JA said.

Meanwhile, according to Denny JA, Indonesia is also demonstrating increasingly prominent geopolitical leadership under President Prabowo Subianto.

In less than two years in office, Prabowo has established intense communication with all major global power centres. He actively cultivates ties with the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France—five nations with significant influence in global political architecture and all holding UN Security Council veto powers.

What is notable, Denny noted, is that these relationships are not built on allegiance to any particular bloc. Prabowo has instead demonstrated the rare ability to maintain balance in today’s era of geopolitical rivalry.

‘In a world increasingly polarised, such capability is a highly valuable strategic asset,’ he said. (H-3)