DPR Urges Against Politicising Presidential Paris Visit During Idul Adha

House of Representatives member Bahtra Banong stated that the President’s working visit to Paris, France is a strategic national diplomatic agenda planned well in advance. He urged that the visit not be distorted into a political controversy simply because it coincides with the Idul Adha holiday. Amid increasingly uncertain global geopolitical and economic conditions, he said the Indonesian President is actively pursuing national interests by strengthening strategic relationships with major world countries. Therefore, the Indonesian President frequently undertakes foreign visits. “Such state agendas are arranged through long and measured diplomatic communication between countries. It just so happens that the timing coincides with Idul Adha,” Bahtra said in a press statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. He stated that France is a key Indonesian partner in defence, investment, technology, energy, and strategic industries. Moreover, Bahtra added, the relationship between President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron has been very strong over the past year. Previously, Bahtra noted, Prabowo was an honoured guest at Bastille Day celebrations in 2025. He considered this a unique diplomatic honour not granted to all global leaders. “Do not reduce state agendas to politically charged symbolic framing,” said the Gerindra faction member of the House of Representatives.