Gerindra: Prabowo's France Visit Not a Personal Journey
Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to France is a strategic national diplomatic agenda planned well in advance, not a personal trip.
He said the visit should not be distorted into political controversy merely because it coincides with Eid al-Adha.
“This is not the President’s personal journey but a state duty. Such national agendas are meticulously arranged through long-term diplomatic communication between countries. The timing merely coincides with Eid al-Adha,” Bahtra said in a written statement on Wednesday (27 May).
As the Deputy Chairman of the DPR’s Commission II, he added that amid increasingly uncertain global geopolitics and economy, Prabowo is actively pursuing national interests by strengthening Indonesia’s strategic ties with major world powers.
He highlighted France as a key partner for Indonesia in defence, investment, technology, energy, and strategic industries.
Bahtra noted that the relationship between President Prabowo and President Emmanuel Macron has been particularly close over the past year.
“The public should focus on tangible benefits for the nation, such as investment opportunities, economic strengthening, technology transfer, and enhanced international bargaining power for Indonesia. National agendas must not be narrowed down to symbolic political framing,” he said.
Bahtra added that Prabowo is demonstrating active independent leadership working for the greater good of the nation through international diplomacy.
“The more active President Prabowo is in international forums, the more Indonesia is respected and considered in global affairs,” he stated.
He explained that Prabowo’s willingness to travel abroad during a religious holiday underscores that national and public interests take precedence over personal or symbolic concerns.
“President Prabowo’s decision to leave the country during a holiday demonstrates that the interests of the Indonesian nation and people come first. This is the dedication of a head of state,” Bahtra said.
Prabowo departed for France early Tuesday (26 May), the day before Eid al-Adha celebrations on Wednesday (27 May).
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed the official state visit was an invitation scheduled since last year.