Macron: Rafale Jet Arrival Demonstrates Strong France-Indonesia Ties

President Prabowo Subianto undertook a state visit to the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, on Thursday, 28 May 2026. During the visit, French President Emmanuel Macron described Indonesia as a crucial strategic partner for France in the Indo-Pacific region. Macron highlighted the close cooperation between the two nations, marked by the arrival of the first Rafale fighter jets in Indonesia, calling it tangible proof of their evolving relationship. ‘Yesterday, the first Rafale fighter jets arrived in Indonesia, serving as evidence of this relationship and today’s discussions, and also demonstrating the desire to continue progressing along this path,’ Macron stated in an official presidential statement on Friday, 29 May 2026. Macron also emphasised the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Indonesia, France, and the European Union. He expressed hope that the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and the EU would be swiftly implemented to accelerate trade and investment flows across strategic sectors. ‘It is crucial to implement this promptly to remove barriers to trade and investment, and to expedite progress in transportation, healthcare, energy transition, and defence,’ Macron said. Macron also praised Indonesia’s opening of its market to French dairy and beef cattle sectors. Additionally, he welcomed Danantara’s investment plans as part of bolstering economic ties between the two countries. In cultural and educational fields, both leaders committed to deepening cooperation previously reinforced through the joint cultural strategy declaration at Borobudur Temple in May 2025. This collaboration includes museum sectors, literature, film, fashion, and enhanced scientific, technological, and university partnerships under the 2026 France-Indonesia Innovation Year. ‘France aims to welcome more students, researchers, and talents,’ he added. On international issues, Macron and Prabowo exchanged views on the Middle East situation, the Ukraine conflict, tensions in the South China Sea, and Southeast Asia. Macron paid tribute to Indonesia’s active role in promoting peace and international dialogue. ‘I want to pay tribute to your courageous stance on peace in the Middle East and recognition of Palestine. I also wish to acknowledge your military’s continued efforts for peace and sovereignty in Lebanon,’ Macron said. Macron stressed that ASEAN holds a significant position in France and the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and thus France is prepared to continue cooperating with Indonesia to address global and regional challenges. ‘At all levels of Indonesia-France partnership, this is highly relevant and will strengthen both nations’ vision for peace in the current world order,’ Macron stated. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that President Prabowo’s visit to France was to accept French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation. According to Sugiono, Prabowo had fulfilled Macron’s delayed invitation due to previous scheduling conflicts. ‘This was Macron’s invitation, which had been delayed. Back in April, we had hoped to hold the visit, but the timing wasn’t suitable,’ Sugiono said on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The Gerindra Party Secretary-General added that Macron later reissued the invitation, proposing a new date that was agreed upon. ‘During the two leaders’ meeting at that time, President Macron extended another invitation and proposed the current date,’ he said. Sugiono explained that Prabowo’s visit was considered after the invitation was extended twice. He noted that the state visit was a reciprocal gesture following Macron’s previous trip to Indonesia. ‘Since the invitation was extended twice, this is the second time, and the President accepted it and is now in Paris,’ he said.