President Macron: RI-France Strategic Relations, 2 Friendly Countries

French President Emmanuel Macron said his visit to Indonesia was important because Indonesia and France had strategic relations, and two countries were also friends.

At the apron of the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Tuesday night, President Macron also admitted that he was happy to be back in Indonesia, after his last visit to Bali in November 2022.

I am happy and very enthusiastic to be here. Indonesia is a beautiful country. I remember the last time I visited here I met President (-7) Jokowi (Joko Widodo) 2 years ago in Bali, and now I am with my wife and my delegation here. We are happy to be here, in Indonesia," said President Macron when answering a question by reporters at the Indonesian Presidential Palace at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Tuesday, May 27, reported by ANTARA.

Macron said he had spoken with the Minister of Defense (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Macron was also waiting for his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, May 28.

"I thank the Indonesian Defense Minister, and I am enthusiastic to meet again with my brother, President Prabowo. He is a good friend of mine, and the relationship between the two countries is very strategic and friendly," continued Macron.

In a relatively short time, about a minute, President Macron served an interview request for Indonesian journalists. After that, President Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron continued their journey to the hotel where they spent the night.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, at around 22.00 WIB after taking off from Hanoi, Vietnam.

At Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Foreign Minister Sugiono welcomed the arrival of President Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron right at the end of the flight.

President Macron took Brigitte's hand as the two descended down the steps. Right at the end of the flight stairs, Defense Minister Sjafrie saluted, and the two shook hands. President Macron had a brief chat with Defense Minister Sjafrie, before finally Sjafrie introduced President Macron to Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno.

Foreign Minister Sugiono also had a brief chat with President Macron.

During the welcoming procession, President Macron walked along the blue carpet that was held on the apron of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base to his vehicle. Betawi Nanjak Ajer traditional dance Attraction and Betawi traditional music, Gembang Krimong, also enlivened the welcoming ceremony for President Macron at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base.

President Macron and First Lady of France first welcomed the cultural ambassador Abang None who welcomed the arrival, then President Macron and Brigitte also had time to witness the dance presented to them.

President Prabowo is scheduled to officially welcome President Macron's visit to the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday. The ceremony of honor will be held in the series of official welcomings.

At the Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo and President Macron will meet face-to-face, and chair bilateral meetings between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of France. The two of them are also likely to deliver a joint statement from the results of the meeting.

After the event at the Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo is scheduled to invite President Macron to Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, and the Military Academy (Akmil) Magelang. A visit to Borobudur Temple is called a request from President Macron.

President Macron's visit to Jakarta and Magelang took place from 27 May 2025 to 29 May 2025. The visit was a series of Macron overseas trips in the Indo-Pacific area, namely Hanoi, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. After completing his visit in Indonesia, President Macron is scheduled to continue his visit to Singapore.