Gerindra Responds to President Prabowo's France Visit
Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong has urged the public not to politicise President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Paris, France during Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah. As Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Commission II from the Gerindra faction, he stated the visit, scheduled for late this month, is a state duty.
Bahtra described the president’s diplomatic mission to France as a strategic agenda planned well in advance, asserting it should not be twisted into political controversy merely because it coincides with Eid al-Adha.
‘This is not a personal trip for the President, but a state duty. National agendas like this are meticulously arranged through long-term diplomatic communications between nations. It just so happens the timing aligns with Eid al-Adha,’ he said in a statement on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
According to Bahtra, amid increasingly uncertain global geopolitics and economics, Prabowo is advancing national interests by strengthening strategic ties with major world powers. France, he noted, is a key Indonesian partner in defence, investment, technology, energy, and strategic industries.
He further claimed President Prabowo and President Emmanuel Macron have maintained a close relationship over the past year, citing Prabowo’s status as an honoured guest at Bastille Day celebrations in 2025.
The public, he said, should focus on the tangible benefits of Prabowo’s visit for the nation—including investment opportunities, economic strengthening, technology transfer, and enhanced international bargaining power. ‘Do not narrow state agendas into politically charged symbolic framing,’ he added.
Bahtra also stated Prabowo would naturally wish to be in Indonesia for the holiday with the people, but as head of state, his duties and responsibilities run 24/7.
‘The President’s willingness to travel abroad during the holiday season demonstrates that the interests of the nation and Indonesian people come first. This is the dedication of a head of state,’ said the Gerindra cadre led by Prabowo.
President Prabowo previously performed Eid al-Adha prayers in Paris on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at the Indonesian Embassy’s Wisma Indonesia in the capital.
The Cabinet Secretariat confirmed the state visit to France had been planned long in advance. ‘The invitation was scheduled since last year and underwent several reschedulings,’ said Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya in a written statement on Tuesday.
Prabowo arrived in Paris on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, landing at Orly Airport around 09:50 local time.