Ministers Comment on Prabowo's 2026 Eid al-Adha Prayer in France

Several ministers from the Red White Cabinet have commented on President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to France coinciding with Eid al-Adha. Culture Minister Fadli Zon stated that the President’s prayer in France was coincidental with the state visit, noting he performed Eid prayers in Indonesia last year. “Last year it was here, this year it coincidentally aligns with the state visit,” he said after attending Eid prayers at Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (27 May).

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, affirmed the visit had been carefully considered and would benefit Indonesia in the future. “The President naturally has specific considerations for all visits, both abroad and domestically,” he added, “We are confident this will bring benefits for Indonesia moving forward.”

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar confirmed the prayer arrangements in France were handled by the Indonesian Embassy. “The President is performing state duties in Paris, and we have reports on where he will pray. I am certain the embassy has prepared accordingly,” he said, adding that Prabowo was monitoring the celebrations at Istiqlal Mosque from France.

President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka did not attend prayers together during the 1447 Hijri Eid al-Adha this year. Prabowo departed for France early Tuesday (26 May), a day before the Eid celebrations on Wednesday (27 May).

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated the state visit was a prearranged invitation from last year, and the trip is expected to strengthen strategic ties between Indonesia and France, which already collaborate across multiple sectors.