Presidential Palace Clarifies Prabowo's Visit to France

JAKARTA, CNBC Indonesia – The Government Communication Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Bakom RI) has clarified social media speculation regarding President Prabowo Subianto’s planned visits to European countries beyond France. Bakom RI Chief Muhammad Qodari confirmed that the government never issued an official statement about a presidential visit to Italy. “Allow me to clarify, not regarding DSI, but to provide information on the president’s visits to other countries besides France. First, there has never been an official government statement that the president will visit Italy,” Qodari stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

He added that the government’s only confirmed official agenda is the state visit to France, though any additional destinations during the trip remain tentative. Qodari noted that Foreign Minister Sugiono had announced the state visit on 22 April 2026, describing it as a reciprocal gesture to President Macron’s prior visit to Indonesia in 2025.

Furthermore, Sugiono outlined key areas of cooperation between Indonesia and France, including defence—particularly the acquisition of military equipment requiring technology transfer—as well as STEM education and critical minerals. “This goes beyond mere procurement; it involves technology transfer to ensure effective management and operation of the equipment,” he said.