Indonesia-France Relations Intensify Under Prabowo: From Defence Equipment to Culture

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – France has been one of the most frequently visited countries by President Prabowo Subianto since taking office as Indonesia’s president. According to Kompas.com records, the head of state has visited France at least four times, more than trips to Russia, Japan, Jordan, or Brazil. Prabowo’s first visit took place on 14 July 2025 when he was invited to attend France’s National Day military parade, Bastille Day. He then returned to France in January 2026, April 2026, and May 2026. Macron visited Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace, the Magelang Military Academy (Akmil), and Borobudur Temple. This means that in nearly two years, Prabowo and Macron have met in person at least five times. The intensity of this relationship marks a new chapter in Indonesia-France relations. Previously, ties between the two nations were defined by defence equipment procurement deals, but under Prabowo, relations have expanded into a strategic partnership encompassing Indo-Pacific geopolitics, technology transfer, military education, energy, and critical minerals. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that President Prabowo’s visits to France aim to strengthen the evolving strategic partnership between the two countries through bilateral engagement and close leadership ties. During Prabowo’s fourth visit to France in May 2026, Indonesia and France prepared to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Sugiono noted that this deepening relationship reflects the growing importance of Indonesia and France to each other amid global uncertainty. ‘Reflecting the increasing importance of Indonesia and France to one another in an uncertain global landscape,’ Sugiono said on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. During a meeting at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace, Macron stated that Indonesia-France relations have developed rapidly over the past decade. ‘Tomorrow, an agreement will be signed at Borobudur, symbolising the friendship between Indonesia and France. This is not just a word, but it is indeed growing stronger year by year,’ Macron said on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.