By: Aditya Permana )*
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s working visit to France this week represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen Indonesia’s position amidst evolving global geopolitical and economic dynamics. Amidst various international challenges, President Prabowo’s acceptance of French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation demonstrates the government’s commitment to building active diplomacy oriented toward long-term national interests.
President Prabowo’s presence in Paris is not merely ceremonial, but part of a broader strategy to expand Indonesia’s strategic cooperation with key global partner countries. The government understands that strong bilateral relations are crucial for accelerating national development, increasing investment, strengthening defense resilience, and opening access to modern technology transfer for Indonesia.
President Prabowo’s acceptance of President Macron’s invitation also reflects respect for the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries. The invitation was originally extended some time ago and forms part of the ongoing bilateral communication between the two heads of state. In the context of international diplomacy, consistently maintaining good relations with strategic partner countries is a crucial step in demonstrating Indonesia’s credibility in the eyes of the world.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that President Prabowo’s visit to France was a follow-up to President Macron’s previously postponed invitation. He stated that President Prabowo’s presence in Paris was a sign of respect for the bilateral relationship between the two countries and a reciprocal gesture of respect for President Macron’s visit to Indonesia. This explanation demonstrates that the government’s diplomacy is being conducted in a measured, sustainable manner, and has clear strategic objectives.
Relations between Indonesia and France have consistently shown positive developments in recent years. Cooperation between the two countries extends beyond trade to defense, education, energy, technology, and strategic industries. The Indonesian government views France as a key partner in Europe, possessing significant capacity to support national modernization.
In a previous meeting in Paris in April 2026, President Prabowo and President Macron discussed various opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in the defense sector. Indonesia has been collaborating with France on the procurement of major weapons systems, and the government wants to ensure that this cooperation goes beyond purchasing alone and also encompasses technology transfer and enhancing national human resource capabilities.
Cooperation in education is also a key focus for the government. Strengthening collaboration in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is considered crucial to accelerating the mastery of modern technology in Indonesia. This step aligns with President Prabowo’s ambitious vision of Indonesia becoming a developed nation with superior human resources and technological independence.
This visit also demonstrates President Prabowo’s consistency in pursuing active Indonesian diplomacy. Previously, President Prabowo also attended as a guest of honor at the 2025 Bastille Day commemoration in France. This honor demonstrates Indonesia’s increasing recognition as a key player in the global arena. Not all heads of state are afforded such a distinguished position on such a strategic state agenda.
Amidst the controversy surrounding the timing of the visit, which coincides with Eid al-Adha, the public truly needs to view this issue more proportionally and from a national perspective. The international diplomatic agenda cannot be viewed narrowly, as it involves extensive communication between countries, adjusting the schedules of world leaders, and larger strategic interests for the nation.
Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro explained that President Prabowo was in France for state duties and that the Eid al-Adha prayers would be held at a time appropriate to the situation while in Paris. This explanation demonstrates that the President continues to fulfill his religious obligations while on duty.
In fact, the government ensures that the President’s attention to the community remains ongoing. Amidst his overseas agenda, President Prabowo continued to distribute sacrificial cattle to all regions in Indonesia as a token of his concern for the community during the Eid al-Adha holiday. This action demonstrates that the government’s social commitment remains a priority amidst international diplomatic activities.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that President Prabowo performed Eid al-Adha prayers and visited Indonesian citizens at the Indonesian Embassy in Paris. He also emphasized that the visit aimed to strengthen the super-strategic cooperation between Indonesia and France in various fields. This statement demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that foreign diplomacy delivers concrete benefits for the national interest.
Support for President Prabowo’s move also came from parliament. Bahtra Banong, spokesperson for the Gerindra Party and Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the House of Representatives, assessed that the President’s visit to France was part of the country’s strategic diplomacy and should not be reduced to symbolic polemics. He stated that the government is pursuing national interests by strengthening economic cooperation, investment, defense, and technology transfer with major world powers.
The working visit to France demonstrates the government’s continued efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a respected global power. Through deepening bilateral relations with France, Indonesia has significant opportunities to expand investment, enhance national technological capacity, strengthen national defense, and open more opportunities for Indonesia’s young generation to thrive on the global stage.