Prabowo Visits France During Eid al-Adha, Gerindra: It's a National Duty

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Gerindra party spokesperson Bahtra Banong stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to France during Eid al-Adha should not be politicised. Banong said the visit is a strategic state diplomatic agenda planned well in advance, coinciding with Eid al-Adha. ‘This is not a personal trip for the President, but a national duty. Such state agendas are arranged through lengthy and measured diplomatic communications between nations. It just so happens that the timing coincides with Eid al-Adha,’ Banong said in a statement on Wednesday, 27 May 2036. ‘The public should focus on concrete benefits for the nation, including investment opportunities, economic strengthening, technology transfer, and enhanced Indonesia’s global bargaining position. Do not narrow national agendas into symbolic, politically charged framing,’ he added. The deputy chair of the House of Representatives’ Second Commission also highlighted the increasingly uncertain global geopolitical and economic landscape. He said Prabowo is actively advancing national interests by strengthening Indonesia’s strategic ties with major global powers, including France, a key partner in defence, investment, technology, energy, and strategic industries. ‘The President’s increasing presence in international forums demonstrates Indonesia’s growing respect and standing in global affairs,’ he stated. He also believes Prabowo would prefer to be in Indonesia during Eid al-Adha, but must respect the time scheduled by French President Emmanuel Macron. ‘Prabowo’s willingness to travel abroad during the holiday proves that the nation’s and people’s interests come first. This is the dedication of a head of state,’ he said. For context, Prabowo has returned on a working visit to France during Eid al-Adha today. Prabowo arrived in Paris on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, around 10:00 local time and is scheduled to perform Eid al-Adha prayers at the Indonesian Embassy residence in Paris. This is Prabowo’s fourth visit to France. Previous meetings took place on 14 July 2025, 23 January 2026, and 14 April 2026. The working visit aims to strengthen the Indonesia-France Strategic Partnership, which has evolved through frequent interactions and close rapport between the two presidents.