Prabowo and Macron Strengthen Defence and Economic Cooperation in Paris

President Prabowo Subianto met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, 28 May. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a global partnership, encompassing defence, economic, and educational sectors.

Macron described Indonesia as a strategically important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, stating, “Indonesia is a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, and I believe this is also part of President Prabowo’s conviction,” according to the Presidential Secretariat’s official statement.

A key focus was strengthening defence cooperation, with Macron specifically highlighting the arrival of the first Rafale fighter jets in Indonesia as tangible evidence of the growing strategic relationship. This collaboration is expected to continue as part of Indonesia’s military equipment modernisation.

Beyond bilateral issues, the leaders discussed global matters, including the conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the South China Sea. Macron commended Indonesia’s diplomatic stance in the Middle East, saying, “I want to pay tribute to your courageous stance for peace in the Middle East and recognition of Palestine,” and praised Indonesian peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.

In education and culture, both nations agreed to deepen collaboration initiated by the cultural strategy declaration at Borobudur Temple in May 2025. The year 2026 has been designated as the Franco-Indonesian Innovation Year, involving cooperation in science, technology, universities, and creative industries such as film and fashion.