Gerindra responds to criticism over Prabowo's France visit and 1,098 sacrificial cows program

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to France to meet President Emmanuel Macron during the 2026 Idul Adha period has drawn public criticism.

Additionally, Prabowo’s distribution of 1,098 sacrificial cows funded by the state budget has also faced widespread public backlash.

The Gerindra Party has come to his defence.

Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong stated that Prabowo’s official visit to France was planned well in advance and should not be twisted into a political controversy merely because it coincided with Idul Adha.

“This is not a personal trip for the President, but a state duty. Such national agendas are arranged through long-term, measured diplomatic communications between countries. It is merely coincidental that the timing aligns with Idul Adha,” Bahtra said in a statement on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

He reminded that France is a key Indonesian partner in defence, investment, technology, energy, and strategic industries.

Moreover, the relationship between Prabowo and Macron has been notably strong over the past year.

“The public should focus on the tangible benefits for the nation, including investment opportunities, economic strengthening, technology transfer, and enhancing Indonesia’s global standing. National agendas should not be narrowed down to symbolic, politically charged framing,” Bahtra explained.

Bahtra added that Prabowo is demonstrating proactive leadership in the national interest.

Furthermore, he noted that Prabowo actually wished to be in Indonesia during the holiday to be with the people.

However, as head of state, national duties and responsibilities operate 24/7.

Additionally, Prabowo had to respect the schedule prepared by Macron.

“President Prabowo’s willingness to travel abroad during the holiday period proves that the nation’s and Indonesian people’s interests come above all else. This is the dedication of a head of state,” added the Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the House of Representatives.