TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, Paris, France, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The two state leaders discussed various sectors during the meeting.
Prior to a joint press statement with Macron, Prabowo mentioned that several strategic issues would be the highlight of their discussions. This includes the implementation of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and the European Union (IEU-CEPA).
"Today, I believe we will discuss a number of key issues, [including] cooperation in defense, clean energy, education, research, and the implementation of the IEU-CEPA deal," said Prabowo in a joint press statement with Macron on Thursday as quoted by the Presidential Secretariat on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Prabowo deemed the relationship between Indonesia and France "at its highest level yet," while lauding Macron's commitment and leadership in fostering a closer partnership between the two countries.
Prabowo said Indonesia and France share many common views regarding various global and regional issues. He said the growing positive development of bilateral ties between both countries is inseparable from Macron's direct support.
"In several aspects, Indonesia and France share a mutual stance, and currently our bilateral relations are very good. This is none other than because of the direct support from President Macron," he said.
In the defense sector, he added, the connection between Indonesia and France is progressing very well. Cooperation in science and technology also continues to grow. Meanwhile, in the education sector, Prabowo emphasized the Indonesian government seeks to enhance cooperation with France.
Foreign Minister Sugiono said Prabowo's visit to France this time aims to fulfill the invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Sugiono, Prabowo accepted Macron's invitation, which had been postponed earlier due to a scheduling conflict.
"If I'm not mistaken, it was expected for the trip to take place in April, but the timing at that time was not suitable," said Sugiono on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as quoted from a video statement.
The Secretary General of the Gerindra Party added that President Macron then extended the invitation to Prabowo again. Sugiono claimed that Macron proposed a new date, which was eventually agreed upon.
Sugiono stated that Prabowo's visit to France was made considering that the invitation had been extended twice. He said that Prabowo's state visit is reciprocal to Marcon's previous trip to Indonesia.
Prabowo's visit to France this time is the third in the last five months. Prabowo previously visited France in January and April.
Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to this article.
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