DPR member says Prabowo's France visit should not be politicised

DPR member Bahtra Banong stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s working visit to France is a strategic national diplomatic agenda planned well in advance. In a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, Bahtra urged that the visit should not be twisted into a political controversy merely because it coincides with Eid al-Adha. Amid growing global geopolitical and economic uncertainty, he said President Prabowo is advancing national interests by strengthening Indonesia’s strategic ties with major world powers. “Such state agendas are meticulously arranged through prolonged diplomatic communications between nations. It just so happens that the timing coincides with Eid al-Adha,” Bahtra said. He noted France is a key Indonesian partner in defence, investment, technology, energy, and strategic industries. Moreover, he highlighted the close relationship between President Prabowo and President Emmanuel Macron over the past year. Previously, Prabowo was an honoured guest at Bastille Day celebrations in 2025, which he described as a special diplomatic honour not extended to all world leaders. “Do not narrow state agendas into symbolic, politicised framing,” he said. Bahtra assessed that President Prabowo is demonstrating proactive independent leadership in serving the nation’s broader interests through international diplomacy. “The more active President Prabowo is in international forums, the more Indonesia is respected and considered in global affairs,” he added. He noted that President Prabowo would naturally wish to be in Indonesia during the holiday with the people, but must also respect the schedule arranged by French President Emmanuel Macron. He argued that Prabowo’s willingness to undertake the foreign trip during the holiday period demonstrates that national and people’s interests take precedence over personal or symbolic concerns. “Prabowo’s decision to travel abroad during the holiday proves that the nation’s and people’s interests come first. This is the dedication of a head of state,” he said.