Prabowo Returns to France for Key Talks on Defense and Technology Cooperation

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has departed for France on an official working visit, leaving Jakarta on Monday night, May 25, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and France.

Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro confirmed the trip when speaking to reporters at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday. He stated that the President remains in France as of Wednesday, May 27.

“President Prabowo is currently on an overseas working visit to France,” Juri said.

Due to his presence abroad, the President’s participation in Eid al-Adha prayers will be adjusted to local conditions in France.

“As he will still be in France on Wednesday, the arrangements for Eid prayers will follow the situation there. We will provide updates in due course,” Juri added.

Further details regarding the President’s agenda during the visit are expected to be delivered by Foreign Minister Sugiono.

“More detailed information will be conveyed by the Foreign Minister,” Juri said.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Sugiono announced that President Prabowo was scheduled to undertake another state visit to France in the near term, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to reinforcing strategic ties with the European partner.

“This visit is part of the plan for President Prabowo’s state visit to France, which will take place soon,” Sugiono said during a press briefing in Jakarta on April 22.

Prior to this trip, President Prabowo visited Paris on April 14, where he held a closed-door meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and identifying priority sectors for expanded collaboration.

Sugiono highlighted that defense cooperation remains a key pillar in the Indonesia–France partnership, particularly as Indonesia continues to procure major defense equipment from France.

In addition to defense, both countries are working to deepen cooperation in education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative aims to support technology transfer and improve Indonesia’s capacity to operate and maintain advanced defense systems.

Sugiono also noted that the personal rapport between President Prabowo and President Macron has contributed positively to strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.

France remains one of Indonesia’s strategic partners, and ongoing discussions are expected to broaden cooperation into more comprehensive and high-impact areas.

Data indicates that President Prabowo has visited France three times since assuming office. His previous visits included attendance at the Bastille Day military parade on July 14, 2025, and a bilateral engagement on January 23, 2026, both aimed at advancing strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara