President Prabowo Subianto Begins France Visit Following Macron's Invitation

President Prabowo Subianto was warmly greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday (28 May) local time. The meeting forms part of President Prabowo’s state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

Live coverage on Thursday evening showed President Prabowo immediately shaking hands with President Macron upon arrival. The two leaders displayed emotional closeness with a warm hug before proceeding to greet French First Lady Brigitte Macron.

Brigitte Macron welcomed the Indonesian president with a clasped-hands greeting, followed by a brief conversation. Accompanying President Prabowo on the official visit was his son, Didit Hediprasetyo, dressed in a black suit.

Before entering the main palace building for closed-door talks, President Prabowo and Didit took photos with President Macron and Brigitte Macron on the palace steps.

Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that this state visit was to fulfil Macron’s invitation, which had previously been delayed.

“This visit is to fulfil President Macron’s invitation, which had indeed been delayed,” Sugiono stated in an official release.

Macron reaffirmed the invitation during Prabowo’s visit to Paris last month. This marks Prabowo’s third visit to France within the past year.

Previously, Prabowo attended France’s Bastille Day military parade on 14 July 2025 and undertook a working visit on 23 January 2026 to strengthen strategic cooperation between Indonesia and France.

President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to expand French language education in Indonesian schools during his meeting with Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

The leaders discussed strategic partnerships, including defence, renewable energy, and creative economy, during the state visit to France.