Prabowo Arrives at France's Élysée Palace

President Prabowo Subianto arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, on Thursday afternoon, 28 May 2026, local time. The state visit’s welcoming ceremony was streamed live via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube account. President Prabowo was seen travelling in a white Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Upon arrival at the Élysée Palace, the Head of State was greeted by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Prabowo wore a grey suit, dark blue tie, and black songkok, with sunglasses resting on his head. Prabowo and Lecornu walked together towards the honour guard. The national anthems of both countries were played, with Prabowo standing at attention during ‘Indonesia Raya’ and ‘La Marseillaise’. Following this, Prabowo and Lecornu proceeded to their respective delegations. Prabowo introduced members of the Red and White Cabinet accompanying him, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Danantara Investment Management Agency CEO Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel TNI Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar. Also present was Prabowo’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo Djojohadikusumo, known as Didit. Prabowo previously arrived in Paris on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, landing at Orly Airport around 09:50 local time. His visit coincided with Eid al-Adha 1447 AH. The following day, the Gerindra Party chairman performed Eid al-Adha prayers at the Indonesian Embassy’s Wisma Indonesia in Paris. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that President Prabowo’s visit to France was to accept an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Sugiono, the invitation had previously been delayed due to scheduling conflicts. ‘This was an invitation from President Macron that had been delayed. Initially, we had hoped to hold the visit in April, but the timing wasn’t suitable,’ Sugiono said on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, according to a video statement. The Gerindra Party’s secretary-general added that President Macron reissued the invitation, with a new date proposed and agreed upon. Sugiono explained that the visit was made considering the invitation had been extended twice. He noted it was a reciprocal visit following Macron’s trip to Indonesia. ‘Since it was the second invitation, President Prabowo accepted and attended in Paris,’ he said.