Prabowo Subianto secures Rp61.25 trillion cooperation deal in France
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Base Ops in Jakarta on Saturday (30/5) morning after concluding a state visit to France, bringing back commercial agreements worth Rp61.25 trillion.
The Government Communication Body (Bakom) of Indonesia confirmed that Garuda Indonesia flight GA-1 carrying the President touched down at approximately 10.19 WIB and was greeted by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and senior officials.
The visit strengthened partnerships in economics, investment, trade, and defence, marked by the launch of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council with French President Emmanuel Macron on 28 May 2026.
The council, bringing together 30 company leaders with a combined market capitalisation of $1.3 trillion, resulted in four new commercial agreements focusing on energy security, trade, and defence.
Meanwhile, the Central Leadership Council (DPP) of PDIP raised critical remarks about the frequency of foreign trips, noting it was President Prabowo’s third visit to France within less than six months in 2026.
PDIP DPP Chair Andreas Hugo Pareira stated that the current national leadership faces public scrutiny similar to the era of President Abdurrahman Wahid regarding the frequency of overseas travels.
“We’ve had a president criticised for frequent foreign trips during Gus Dur’s time. Now people are pointing the same criticism at President Prabowo,” said Andreas, PDIP DPP Chair.
The PDIP politician added that transparency regarding the purpose and targets of state visits is crucial for the public to receive clear information from the outset before departure.
“This raises questions because explanations come after the trip. It should be that the media knows beforehand so the public is informed. The president represents the nation,” Andreas, who is also Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission XIII, said.
In a separate address in Paris, President Prabowo outlined the two nations’ collaborative vision to navigate global geopolitical uncertainties.
“Looking ahead, we believe that in a global landscape of uncertainty, tension, and conflict, both countries can play a positive role. Indonesia will always promote peace efforts. In today’s interconnected world, where technology has shrunk the globe, war and conflict can bring no benefit to anyone,” Prabowo said.
The President also affirmed Indonesia’s diplomatic commitment to the Middle East situation, particularly full support for Palestinian independence through a two-state solution.
“I am pleased that France is among the pioneers encouraging European and Western nations to support a two-state solution and Palestinian independence. Indonesia remains firm that there can be no Middle East peace without a two-state solution and justice for Palestinians,” Prabowo said.
Minister of Investment and Downstreaming and BKPM Chief Rosan Roeslani stated that the establishment of the high-level business council is a strategic move indicating French businesses’ strong confidence in Indonesia’s investment climate.
“This forum is not only a platform for dialogue between businesses but also a driver for promoting investment, trade, and strategic cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for both nations,” said Rosan.
The $3.5 billion in deals was led jointly by Danone CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique as Chair of the France-Indonesia Business Council under MEDEF International and KADIN Indonesia Chairman Anindya Bakrie.
“French business confidence in Indonesia continues to rise. The agreements demonstrate that Indonesia is viewed as a strategic partner with long-term growth prospects and a more competitive investment climate,” Rosan said.
In addition to bilateral engagements and launching the business council, President Prabowo also met with the Indonesian diaspora community in Paris to observe Eid al-Adha prayers.