Prabowo Returns from France, Welcomed by Gibran and National Police Chief

JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto returned to Indonesia on Saturday (30 May 2026) following a four-day state visit to France. Citing a Presidential Secretariat YouTube broadcast, he landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta at approximately 10:07 WIB aboard Garuda Indonesia flight 1. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and several officials awaited him at the aircraft steps, where they exchanged salutes and handshakes. Prabowo also greeted Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces General Tandyo Budi Revita. After brief discussions with Gibran and his entourage, he departed Halim in a Maung vehicle. During bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, Prabowo stated that Indonesia-France relations are currently at their best in history. He noted ongoing cooperation across defence, education, clean energy, science and technology, and investment sectors, adding: “We will see more concrete, balanced, and impactful cooperation in the near future.” Macron announced that joint military exercises under the Pegasus Mission will resume in September 2026, stating: “In all areas, from fighter jets to naval and army capabilities, joint exercises and training, we have elevated defence and security partnerships to unprecedented levels. We will soon discuss new perspectives.” A key outcome of the visit was the launch of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council. Education cooperation was also a major focus, with France aiming to expand collaboration in higher education, research, technology, and innovation to build on cultural ties established through the joint strategic cultural declaration at Borobudur Temple in May 2025. This includes museum sectors, literature, film, fashion, and strengthened scientific, technological, and university collaborations during the 2026 France-Indonesia Innovation Year.