Prabowo Subianto begins state visit to France, welcomed at Élysée Palace

President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto began his state visit to Paris, France on Thursday (28 May). Upon arrival at the Élysée Palace, he was welcomed by a French official. Prabowo wore a grey double-breasted suit with a blue tie and a songkok. Indonesian delegation members, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani, Higher Education and Science and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Indonesian ambassador to France M Oemar, had arrived earlier. Both countries’ national anthems were played, starting with Indonesia Raya followed by La Marseillaise. Prabowo arrived at Paris Orly Airport on Tuesday (26 May). Foreign Minister Sugiono stated the visit was to fulfill an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron, which had been delayed. ‘This is an invitation from President Macron that was supposed to happen in April but was rescheduled due to timing issues,’ Sugiono told reporters on Wednesday (27 May).