Prabowo Seeks to Boost Cooperation and Investment with France
President Prabowo Subianto aims to enhance cooperation with the French government. He welcomed the establishment of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council as a strategic move to strengthen economic and investment ties between Indonesia and France.
Prabowo appreciated President Emmanuel Macron’s support in accelerating bilateral relations, particularly in economic and investment sectors. “We want to boost this cooperation, increase investments in both countries, and I am very pleased and welcome the establishment of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council,” Prabowo said during his speech at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, 28 May 2026, as reported by Antara.
He stated that the high-level business forum would be a crucial platform to foster closer collaboration between Indonesian and French businesses, opening up mutually beneficial investment opportunities. “This is very important, and we will be delighted with the participation and presence of French companies in Indonesia’s economy,” Prabowo added.
Prabowo noted that France is a key European leader with strategic importance in relations with Southeast Asia. Strengthening economic partnerships between the two nations is expected to significantly benefit regional stability and growth.
He mentioned that Indonesia-France relations have entered a new phase through a comprehensive strategic partnership. During the meeting, both leaders discussed strategic agendas including defence cooperation, clean energy development, education, research, and implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA).
Prabowo expressed hope that ongoing agreements and initiatives would further strengthen Indonesia-France relations and deliver tangible benefits for both countries.
The state visit, which began on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, is a reciprocal gesture following President Macron’s visit to Indonesia last year. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening the Indonesia-France Strategic Partnership, with both leaders set to announce an upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing importance of each nation to the other amid global uncertainties.
The Foreign Ministry stated that the enhanced partnership would not only strengthen bilateral resilience but also affirm Indonesia and France’s commitment to contributing to peace and a rules-based world order.