Prabowo and Macron Discuss Five Strategic Issues from Military to Economy

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia made a state visit to France on Thursday (28 May), marking his third trip to the country in 2026. Prabowo arrived in Paris on Thursday evening (28 May) and was greeted by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. During the visit, Prabowo was accompanied by his son, Didit Hediprasetyo, dressed in a black suit. The bilateral meeting between the two leaders discussed several strategic issues, ranging from Palestine, defence cooperation, regional security, trade, to education and culture. The five key points discussed by the presidents are as follows. President Prabowo stated that Indonesia and France share a common view on the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle East, particularly in supporting a two-state solution as a path to Palestinian independence and regional peace. ‘Peace in the Middle East is a shared interest for us. France has been a pioneer in promoting support for the two-state solution and Palestinian independence,’ Prabowo said. ‘Indonesia remains of the view that there can be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution and justice for the Palestinian people,’ he added. Meanwhile, Macron expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s role in supporting Middle East peace efforts, particularly regarding Palestine. ‘I wish to sincerely express my appreciation for your role, your friendship, and the bold steps you took last year to support Middle East peace, including your support for Palestinian recognition,’ Macron said. ‘We are also fully committed to jointly safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, where the armed forces of both nations serve together under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL),’ he added. In the defence sector, Macron highlighted the increasingly close strategic relationship between Indonesia and France, marked by the arrival of the first Dassault Rafale fighter jets in Indonesia. ‘Yesterday, the first Rafale fighter jets arrived in Indonesia, which is evidence of this relationship and today’s discussions, and also a testament to the desire to continue advancing along this path,’ Macron said. France and Indonesia are also set to strengthen joint military exercises through the Pegasus 2026 mission, scheduled for September. ‘We will strengthen training and operational cooperation. We have also increased joint military exercises, some of which will take place soon, particularly regarding the Pegasus mission in September 2026,’ Macron explained. Macron explained that the cooperation includes fighter jet training, enhancing Indonesia’s naval and army capabilities, and joint exercises between the two nations. ‘We have elevated this defence and security partnership to an unprecedented level. In the coming days, we will also reconvene to explore new perspectives and opportunities for cooperation,’ he said. In discussions on global security, Macron and Prabowo agreed to promote international freedom of navigation and de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East, including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open peacefully. ‘We reject any attempts to privatise the strait or impose tolls on shipping routes,’ Macron said. ‘We have even launched an international coalition to act effectively on this issue,’ he added. In the economic sector, Macron expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s decision to open its market to French dairy and beef products. ‘Regarding our economic openness, I am delighted that Indonesia has opened its market to French dairy and beef products,’ Macron said. Additionally, both countries agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and two-way investment. Macron hopes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Indonesia can be fully implemented soon. ‘I know you share the same hope,’ Macron told Prabowo. ‘In many aspects, our economies complement each other. To maximise their potential, it is crucial that the agreement is fully implemented, particularly regarding the removal of trade and investment barriers,’ he said. According to Macron, the first France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council, currently underway, will significantly boost economic relations between the two nations. The council is a joint initiative. Prabowo welcomed the accelerated strengthening of economic ties between the two countries, including the establishment of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council. ‘We want to enhance this cooperation, increase investment in both countries, and I am very pleased to welcome the establishment of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council,’ Prabowo said. He stated that the business forum would be a crucial platform to strengthen collaboration between Indonesian and French enterprises and open new investment opportunities. ‘I believe it is very important, and we will be delighted by the participation and presence of French companies in Indonesia’s economy,’ Prabowo said. In the cultural and educational sector, Indonesia and France agreed to expand cooperation previously strengthened by a joint cultural strategy declaration at Borobudur in May 2025. The collaboration covers museums, literature, film, fashion, as well as strengthening scientific, technological, and higher education cooperation as part of the France-Indonesia Innovation Year 2026. Macron stated that the two countries would also deepen academic and research collaboration through several new declarations. ‘France aims to welcome more Indonesian students, researchers, and talent,’ he concluded. The Fondation France-Asie will also launch