TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - French President Emmanuel Macron said France and Indonesia aim to expand their strategic relationship into a broader global partnership during President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to the Elysee Palace in Paris on Thursday, May 28.
In a joint statement, Macron described Indonesia as a key strategic partner for France in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Indonesia is an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, and I believe this is also part of President Prabowo’s vision,” Macron said, as quoted by Indonesia’s Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday.
On defense and security cooperation, Macron highlighted the close ties between the two countries, marked by the recent arrival of the first Rafale fighter jets in Indonesia. He said the delivery reflected the growing strategic partnership between Paris and Jakarta.
“The arrival of the first Rafale fighter jet in Indonesia is evidence of this relationship and today’s discussions also demonstrate our shared determination to continue moving forward on this path,” Macron said.
Macron also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, trade, and investment between Indonesia, France, and the European Union.
He expressed hope that the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would soon come into effect to accelerate trade and investment flows across strategic sectors, including transportation, healthcare, energy transition, and defense.
The French president also welcomed Indonesia’s decision to open its market to French dairy and beef products.
In addition, Macron expressed support for Danantara’s planned investments as part of efforts to deepen bilateral economic relations.
In the fields of culture and education, both leaders pledged to expand cooperation that had previously been reinforced through a joint cultural strategy declaration at Borobudur Temple in May 2025.
The partnership includes collaboration in museums, literature, film, fashion, as well as scientific, technological, and university cooperation under the France-Indonesia Innovation Year 2026 initiative.
“France wants to welcome more students, researchers, and talented individuals,” Macron said.
During discussions on international issues, Macron and Prabowo exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and tensions in the South China Sea and Southeast Asia.
Macron also praised Indonesia’s role in promoting peace and international dialogue.
“I would like to commend your courageous position for peace in the Middle East, including on the recognition of Palestine. I also want to acknowledge Indonesia’s military involvement in supporting peace and Lebanon’s sovereignty,” he said.
Regarding Southeast Asia, Macron stressed that ASEAN holds an important place in the Indo-Pacific strategy of both France and the European Union. He added that France is ready to continue working with Indonesia in addressing regional and global challenges.
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