Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto’s official state visit to Paris, France, is part of a diplomatic effort to discuss Indonesia’s position in global economic and geopolitical developments. This agenda was previously planned to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and France in several key sectors.
Gerindra Party Spokesperson Bahtra Banong emphasized that President Prabowo’s visit was not a personal trip, but rather a state assignment that had gone through a long diplomatic process between the two countries.
“This is not the President’s personal trip, but a state assignment. State agendas like this are formulated through lengthy and measured diplomatic communication between countries. It just so happens that the timing coincides with Eid al-Adha,” Bahtra said.
Bahtra explained that France is one of Indonesia’s strategic partners, particularly in the defense, investment, technology, energy, and strategic industries sectors. Amid global uncertainty, he said, President Prabowo is actually championing national interests by strengthening relations with major world powers.
“The public must see the concrete benefits of Prabowo’s visit for the nation, from investment opportunities, economic strengthening, technology transfer, to improving Indonesia’s bargaining position. The state agenda should not be narrowed down to symbolic framing with political overtones,” Bahtra said.
According to him, the President’s overseas visit during the holiday period actually demonstrates the head of state’s commitment to prioritizing the nation’s interests over personal interests.
“President Prabowo’s willingness to travel abroad during the holidays demonstrates that the interests of the Indonesian nation and people are above all else. This is a demonstration of the dedication of a head of state,” he said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that President Prabowo’s official visit to Paris was a response to President Macron’s direct invitation, which had been extended twice.
“So at that time, if I’m not mistaken, the expected visit was in April. However, the timing wasn’t right at that time,” said Sugiono.
He said that after adjusting the schedule, President Prabowo finally accepted President Macron’s second invitation this week.
“So, because it has been proposed twice, this is the second time the President has accepted this invitation,” said Sugiono.
During the visit, President Prabowo Subianto performed Eid al-Adha prayers 1447 H with Indonesian citizens and members of the diaspora at Wisma Indonesia in Paris. This event provided an opportunity for the President to interact directly with the Indonesian community in France.