President Prabowo departs for France Monday night

President Prabowo Subianto has departed for France on Monday night (25 May 2026) for a working visit.

“President Prabowo departed for a foreign visit to France last night,” said Deputy Minister of the State Secretariat Juri Ardiantoro in response to journalists’ questions at the Presidential Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (26 May 2026).

Juri stated that the Head of State remains in France on Wednesday (27 May 2026), so the Eid al-Adha prayers will be adjusted according to the local situation there. “The President’s Eid al-Adha prayers will be held in accordance with local conditions,” Juri said. “We will have to wait and see.”

Regarding the President’s agenda in France, Juri said further details would be provided by Foreign Minister Sugiono. “The Foreign Minister will explain,” he added.

Previously, Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that President Prabowo is set to make a state visit to France soon as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. “Also the planned state visit by President Prabowo to France in the near future,” Sugiono said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (22 April 2026).

Previously, President Prabowo visited Paris on 14 April to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in a closed-door meeting. Both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various areas deemed in need of intensification.

Sugiono noted cooperation in the defence industry sector, as Indonesia purchases major weapon systems (alutsista) from France.

Additionally, discussions focused on strengthening educational cooperation, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to support technology transfer and enhance mastery of the acquired weapon systems.

According to Sugiono, the personal rapport between President Prabowo and Macron serves as a key asset in bolstering Indonesia-France bilateral relations.

He also stated that France is a strategic partner of Indonesia, and the ongoing partnership enhancements are expected to broaden and deepen strategic cooperation.

Data shows that Prabowo has made three visits to France since assuming the presidency of Indonesia.

The two prior visits occurred on 14 July 2025 to attend France’s National Day military parade (Bastille Day) and on 23 January 2026 to strengthen strategic cooperation between Indonesia and France.