Prabowo's France Diplomacy Secures $3.5bn Business Commitments
JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto’s diplomacy in Paris has yielded new business commitments between Indonesia and France worth US$3.5 billion, or approximately Rp62 trillion. The agreements were announced alongside the launch of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council on Thursday (28/5/2026) local time.
The business council’s launch was part of President Prabowo’s state visit to France. The council brings together 30 top industry leaders and companies from both nations to boost investment, trade, and strategic cooperation.
In a written statement on Friday (29/5/2026), Investment and Hilirisasi Minister and BKPM Head Rosan Roeslani said the council’s launch immediately resulted in four new commercial agreements.
“The council’s launch has yielded four new commercial agreements worth US$3.5 billion, focused on energy security, trade, and defence cooperation,” he said.
This achievement demonstrates increased French business confidence in Indonesia as a strategic partner with long-term growth prospects. Indonesia’s investment climate is also considered competitive.
The France-Indonesia High Level Business Council is co-chaired by Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Bakrie and MEDEF International’s France-Indonesia Business Council Chair, Danone CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique. The forum was established not only as a business dialogue platform but also to monitor the implementation of investments and commitments agreed between the two countries.
During President Macron’s state visit to Indonesia in May 2025, the two governments signed 207 memoranda of understanding worth over US$11 billion. The business council is expected to help identify obstacles and expedite investment issue resolution.
“Equally important is ensuring all commitments are realised. Therefore, this forum will serve to identify obstacles, expedite resolution of issues, and ensure optimal investment implementation,” Rosan said.
Beyond overseeing existing investments, the council aims to triple bilateral trade by 2035. In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$2.4 billion, though Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of US$532 million.
Prabowo and Macron also mentioned the council’s launch during their joint press statement in Paris on the same day.
Prabowo stated that Indonesia-France relations are at a high level, allowing for continued strengthening of cooperation in various fields, including the economy.
Macron added that amid global uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts disrupting international energy supply chains, the two nations’ economic cooperation is expected to grow.
The council is expected to advance progress in energy transition, mining, and agriculture. Beyond economic cooperation, France and Indonesia stressed the importance of resolving conflicts and creating peace in the Middle East as a shared interest.
While the government views the council’s formation as a step forward in bilateral economic relations, analysts argue that diplomatic success must be measured by tangible outcomes and Indonesia’s bargaining position.
Virdika Rizky Utama, Executive Director of Para Syndicate, said Prabowo’s diplomacy with France should not stop at cooperation statements, ceremonies, and narratives of Indonesia’s growing global respect, but must be measured by concrete results.
In the European context, France can serve as an entry point for Indonesia. However, Indonesia cannot ignore European interests. On issues such as palm oil, nickel, deforestation, environmental standards, supply chains, and trade, Indonesia and Europe often have diverging positions.
Therefore, Virdika said Indonesia must have a clear agenda, such as pushing for fairer trade treatment from the EU. Without such an agenda, the relationship could be imbalanced, as France gains defence industry markets, economic access, and legitimacy in the Indo-Pacific, while Indonesia’s concrete benefits and strengthened bargaining position remain unproven.
On Friday (29/5/2026) local time, President Prabowo concluded his official state visit to Paris, France. The head of state, accompanied by a limited delegation, departed from Paris Orly Airport for Jakarta.
Upon arrival at Orly Airport, President Prabowo received a military honour guard. He was greeted by France’s Minister for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and Citizens Abroad, Eléonore Caroit, and Paris Military Governor General Loïc Mizon, standing before the red carpet.
At the aircraft steps, President Prabowo was accompanied by several officials, including French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone, Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar, and Indonesian Defence Attaché in Paris Air Vice Marshal Hendra Gunawan.
Accompanying President Prabowo on the return flight to Jakarta were Foreign Minister