
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Paris, France, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was there to attend the National Day of the Bastille as a guest of honor.
Every year on the 14th of July, France celebrates Bastille Day, a day that marks an important event in the French Revolution. The revolution, with its significant impact in introducing universal principles and human rights, transformed the French government from an absolute monarchy to the republican democracy system that we know today. This revolution also influenced global politics and the course of democracy worldwide.
One of the main events during Bastille Day is the military parade, with contingents from dozens of countries, including Indonesia. The parade takes place in the Champs-lyses area, directly connected to the Arc de Triomphe.
The military parade during Bastille Day is a prestigious and the oldest, largest parade in Europe, held since 1880. In addition to the military parade, Bastille Day also features fireworks and festivals for the general public.
The History of Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a series of events from the French Revolution that began in early 1789. The event marks the culmination of the people's anger toward the rule of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. It is known that King Louis XVI was a corrupt ruler, imposing high taxes on the poor and failing to reform the economy.
His wife, Queen Marie Antoinette, was known for her lavish lifestyle during a crisis. She used state finances to fund her exorbitant personal expenses while the people suffered from hunger.
On July 14, 1789, the Bastille prison was attacked by the disillusioned French people under King Louis XVI's leadership. Initially, the attack aimed to steal gunpowder, weapons, and ammunition, but it gradually turned into a mission to free political prisoners held inside the prison. After the attack, the revolutionary French government decided to destroy the fortress and the prison until nothing would be left.
Commemorating the French Revolution
For the French people, Bastille Day holds a significant meaning. They celebrate it as a symbol of freedom from the tyranny of the ruling government. The attack also symbolizes the people's resistance against the injustices of that time and the abolishment of the oppressive feudal system. Bastille Day also reflects the national motto of France, still in use today: Liberte (Freedom), egalite (Equality), and fraternite (Brotherhood). A year later, on the same date in 1790, the French people held the Fete de la Federation or the Federation Festival as a demonstration of unity and to celebrate the initial victory of the French Revolution.
The relationship between the king and the people became tense the following year, overshadowing the significance of the event, culminating in the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. A century later, in 1880, France declared July 14 a national holiday to commemorate Bastille Day.
Khumar Mahendra contributed to this article
Editor's Choice: Prabowo Attends Indonesian Army and Police Parade at Bastille Day Celebration in France
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo Attends Indonesian Army and Police Parade at Bastille Day Celebration in France
1 hari lalu

Before heading to France, President Prabowo will make a stopover in the capital of Belgium, Brussels.
Flights Disrupted in France's Marseille as Wildfires Rage
3 hari lalu

Wildfires in Marseille, France, caused disruptions in several flight schedules.
Top 10 Sunniest Cities in Europe, from Cartagena to Madrid
4 hari lalu

Revealed by a new study, Cartagena officially leads the ranking of the sunniest cities in Europe, having an average of 283 hours of sun monthly.
10 Countries with the Most Time Zones, France on Top
9 hari lalu

The countries with the most time zones spread out widely from Europe to the borders of Australia, factored by multiple fascinating reasons.
2 Dead, 300 Hospitalized due to Heatwave in France
11 hari lalu

Medical journal Lancet identifies Paris, France, as the most deadly capital in Europe during a heatwave.
Prabowo Embarks on Three-Nation Visit, First Stop in Saudi Arabia
12 hari lalu

President Prabowo Subianto will visit Saudi Arabia, France, and Brazil. He departed on July 1, 2025.
Fete de la Musique Returns to Indonesia with Free Concerts Across Major Cities
23 hari lalu

Originating from France, the annual music festival Fete de la Musique is once again set to enliven cities across Indonesia.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Plans Purchase of 48 Turkish KAAN Fighter Jets in Rp162 Trillion MoU
24 hari lalu

Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesian Government Assets in France Face Seizure Risk
25 hari lalu

The Indonesian government's assets in France are at risk of being seized after the Indonesian Ministry of Defense lost a dispute against Navayo International AG.
France Shuts Down Israeli Weapon Stands at Paris Air Show
27 hari lalu

France closed four major Israeli stands at the Paris Air Show for displaying offensive weapons on Monday.