French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited Indonesia to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Macron emphasized that the relationship between Indonesia and France goes beyond symbolism, showcasing a genuine and robust cooperation. President Prabowo Subianto warmly welcomed Macron at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, underscoring the significance of the visit.
During the meeting, Macron expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the opportunity to enhance the strategic partnership between France and Indonesia. He stressed the importance of collaboration across various sectors including the economy, technology, security, and culture. The longstanding diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France, which span 75 years, have seen substantial advancements in recent years.
Macron acknowledged Indonesia’s pivotal role in upholding regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region and commended the progress in bilateral defense cooperation, renewable energy initiatives, transportation, and energy transition agenda. The cultural aspect was also a focal point of the discussions, with both leaders planning to sign a cultural agreement at the Borobudur Temple complex as a symbolic gesture of the growing friendship between their nations.
Wrapping up his two-day official visit to Indonesia, Macron expressed optimism for continued joint efforts and thanked President Prabowo for the warm welcome. The visit signified a milestone in strengthening the bonds between Indonesia and France, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration in various fields moving forward.