Why Prabowo is Repeatedly Visiting France
President Prabowo Subianto has made another state visit to France. The head of state departed for Paris the day before the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah, accompanied by members of the Red and White Cabinet.
Since taking office 19 months ago, Prabowo has made four visits to France. Here are the details.
Prabowo’s Four Visits to France
The first visit occurred in July 2025 to attend the Bastille Day military parade at Paris’s Place de la Concorde. The Gerindra Party chairman was invited as an honoured guest. Prabowo’s second visit to France took place in early January this year. He made a brief visit to France lasting less than five hours, following his state visits to the UK and Switzerland. During this second visit, Prabowo discussed global issues with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The third state visit to France occurred in mid-April 2026. Prabowo met again with Macron for a bilateral meeting. He arrived at Paris Orly Airport and was greeted by French Labour and Solidarity Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou.
Prabowo’s fourth visit to France took place on 26 May 2026. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the presidential trip had been scheduled for some time. “The invitation was scheduled since last year and had undergone several reschedulings,” Teddy said on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
Reasons for Frequent Visits to France
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the presidential visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. He noted that Indonesia has several super-strategic partnerships with France. “This state visit is expected to further strengthen Indonesia’s position in Europe, particularly in France,” said the active lieutenant colonel.
He assessed that Indonesia and France have complementary roles in the global context. Teddy stated that Indonesia serves as a key gateway for Europe-Asia relations, while France is a crucial gateway for Asia-Europe connections.
Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong explained the leader’s France visit as a national duty. He urged the public not to question Prabowo’s fourth trip to France coinciding with Eid al-Adha 2026. “President Prabowo’s willingness to travel abroad during a religious holiday demonstrates that the interests of the nation and Indonesian people come first. This is the dedication of a head of state,” said Bahtra.
Prabowo Observes Eid al-Adha Prayer in Paris
During his state visit, Prabowo attended Eid al-Adha prayers with the Indonesian diaspora in Paris. The service took place at the Indonesian House within the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the capital city. “President Prabowo arrived at the Indonesian House and immediately joined the congregation in reciting the takbir,” according to the Presidential Secretariat.
Prabowo led the first row of prayers. The former Defence Minister was flanked by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar. His son, Didit Hediprasetyo, was also present.
After the prayers, Prabowo shook hands with the diaspora attendees. The event continued with a reception and communal meal.