President Prabowo Visits France to Secure Military Tech Transfer and Energy Cooperation
M. Qodari, Head of the Communication Bureau (Bakom), stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to France aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in defence, education, energy, and mineral resource management.
According to Qodari, the visit was a reciprocal response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s previous visit to Indonesia. The trip forms part of efforts to bolster bilateral relations and follow up on existing collaborative agreements.
Qodari explained that Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the importance of enhancing defence cooperation, noting Indonesia’s acquisition of French military equipment (alutsista) necessitates technology transfer for effective operation.
“Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasised the priority of defence collaboration during the discussions. Given Indonesia has received alutsista from France, technology transfer is essential for mastering these systems,” Qodari said at a press conference at Wisma Danantara on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Beyond defence, Indonesia and France are also focusing on education, specifically STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) development. Qodari noted that strengthening education is crucial for facilitating the technology transfer Indonesia requires.
He added that both nations discussed opportunities for energy cooperation and mineral resource utilisation, which are expected to support national industrial development and human resource capacity building.
Qodari also highlighted that Indonesia-France relations are not only built through formal state cooperation but also strengthened by the personal rapport between Presidents Prabowo and Macron.
“Beyond formalities, the strong personal relationship between the two leaders is evident. Social capital is just as vital as economic or political capital,” he stated.
He added that positive personal ties between leaders are pivotal in accelerating strategic collaborations.
During the same event, Qodari clarified that President Prabowo’s official itinerary solely included France, addressing speculation about potential visits to other countries.
In related developments, Investment and Hilirisation Minister and BKPM Chief Rosan Roeslani welcomed the launch of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council as a strategic move to enhance economic ties and expedite investment and trade between the nations.
The council was launched on 28 May 2026 in the presence of Presidents Prabowo and Macron during the state visit.
“The establishment of the France-Indonesia High Level Business Council marks a significant step in strengthening economic partnership. This forum serves not only as a dialogue platform for businesses but also as a catalyst for investment, trade, and strategic cooperation benefiting both countries,” Roeslani said in an official statement, cited on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
The business forum brought together 30 leading industrial and corporate leaders from both nations, with a combined market capitalisation of $1.3 trillion or Rp23.171 trillion (based on a USD/IDR exchange rate of 17,820). The council is co-chaired by MEDEF International’s France-Indonesia Business Council Chair and Danone CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique, and Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Bakrie.
Roeslani revealed the council’s launch resulted in four new commercial agreements worth $3.5 billion or Rp62.38 trillion, focused on energy security, trade, and defence cooperation.
“French business confidence in Indonesia continues to grow. The agreements demonstrate Indonesia is viewed as a strategic partner with long-term growth prospects and a increasingly competitive investment climate,” Roeslani said.
Regarding trade targets, Roeslani noted the council will oversee the implementation of previous memoranda of understanding and investment commitments. During Macron’s May 2025 state visit to Indonesia, 27 MoUs worth over $11 billion or Rp196.06 trillion were signed.
“Ensuring all commitments are fulfilled is equally important. This forum will help identify obstacles, accelerate issue resolution, and ensure optimal investment execution,” he added.
The Indonesia-France Business Council aims to triple bilateral trade by 2035. With full support from both governments, Kadin Indonesia and MEDEF International will strengthen bilateral economic corridors to unlock new opportunities in strategic sectors.
“We are confident Indonesia-France economic relations will grow stronger. Government and business collaboration is key to sustainable growth, job creation, and enhancing both nations’ competitiveness amid global economic dynamics,” Roeslani said.