President Prabowo’s visit agenda is not only focused on bilateral relations, but also aimed at expanding concrete cooperation in various priority sectors that are of Indonesia’s long-term strategic interest.
Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that President Prabowo’s visit to Paris was part of a previously planned official state agenda. He stated that President Macron’s invitation had been scheduled for April 2026 but was delayed due to adjustments to the meeting between the two leaders.
“This is an invitation from President Macron that was actually delayed,” said Sugiono.
This explanation also dispels various negative speculations that have developed regarding the timing of President Prabowo’s visit to France, which coincides with the Eid al-Adha momentum.
Sugiono further stated that President Macron had invited President Prabowo again during the previous meeting between the two heads of state in Paris. Therefore, the government viewed the visit as a form of diplomatic respect and an effort to maintain good relations between Indonesia and France.
“So, because it has been proposed twice, this is the second time to him, the President has accepted this invitation,” Sugiono emphasized.
Amidst a busy diplomatic agenda, President Prabowo continued to demonstrate his closeness to Indonesians abroad. On Eid al-Adha, the President performed Eid prayers with more than 500 Indonesian citizens and the Indonesian diaspora in the courtyard of Wisma Indonesia in Paris.
Following the Eid prayers, President Prabowo took the time to shake hands and chat with the congregation, who had come from various cities across France. The President’s presence among the Indonesian diaspora was seen as a symbol of the country’s concern for Indonesian citizens everywhere.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya assessed that President Prabowo’s visit to Paris was crucial for strengthening Indonesia’s position in the European region. Relations between Indonesia and France are said to continue to grow through cooperation in defense, energy, education, digital communications, and strategic investment.
“Currently, Indonesia has many super-strategic partnerships with France, and this state visit is expected to further strengthen Indonesia’s position in Europe, particularly in France,” said Teddy Indra Wijaya.
According to him, the relationship between Indonesia and France also has strategic value in the context of global geopolitics because both countries play important roles in their respective regions.
“Indonesia is one of the main gateways for European relations to Asia, while France is an important gateway for relations between Asia, especially Southeast Asia, and the European region,” concluded Teddy Indra Wijaya.
President Prabowo’s visit to Paris is also seen as a diplomatic step demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment to building mutually beneficial global partnerships. Amidst international economic and geopolitical challenges, strengthening relations with strategic partners like France is seen as opening broader opportunities for national economic growth, technological development, and strengthening Indonesia’s international competitiveness.