Macron Emphasizes Indonesia as an Important Strategic Partner for France in the Indo-Pacific

JAKARTA - French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening strategic relations with Indonesia to become a global partnership in various fields. This was conveyed when receiving a state visit from President Prabowo Subianto at the Elysee Palace, Paris, Thursday, May 28 local time.

In a joint statement, Macron called Indonesia an important 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 the belief of President Prabowo," Macron said through a statement from the BPMI Secretariat of the President, Friday, May 29.

In the field of defense and security, Macron highlighted the close cooperation between the two countries which was marked by the arrival of the first Rafale fighter aircraft in Indonesia.

"Yesterday the first Rafale fighter plane arrived in Indonesia. This is proof of the strategic relationship between the two countries and the desire to continue to strengthen cooperation," he said.

Macron also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Indonesia, France, and the European Union.

He hopes that the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will be implemented soon to accelerate trade and investment flows in various strategic sectors, such as transportation, health, energy transition, and defense.

In addition, Macron appreciated the opening of the Indonesian market for the French dairy and beef cattle sector. He also welcomed Danantara's investment plan as part of strengthening economic relations between the two countries.

In the field of culture and education, Macron and Prabowo agreed to deepen cooperation which was previously strengthened through a cultural strategy declaration at Borobudur Temple in May 2025.

The cooperation includes the museum, literature, film, fashion sectors, as well as strengthening scientific, technological, and university collaboration in the French-Indonesian Innovation Year 2026.

"France wants to welcome more students, researchers, and talents from Indonesia," Macron said.

The two leaders also discussed various international issues, ranging from the situation in the Middle East, the Ukrainian conflict, to tensions in the South China Sea and the Southeast Asian region.

Macron appreciated Indonesia's position which was considered active in promoting international peace and dialogue.

"I want to pay tribute to President Prabowo's very courageous position for peace in the Middle East and the recognition of Palestine," he said.

Regarding the Southeast Asian region, Macron emphasized that ASEAN has an important position in the Indo-Pacific strategy of France and the European Union. Therefore, France is ready to continue to work with Indonesia to face global and regional challenges.