By: Aditya Nugraha
The presence of President Prabowo Subianto as the guest of honor at the Bastille Day celebration in Paris was not merely a diplomatic courtesy, but also a reflection of the strategic closeness between Indonesia and France. Amid shifts in the global geopolitical order, Prabowo’s initiative to strengthen relations with Europe showcases Indonesia’s sharpened foreign policy vision—one that emphasizes not only symbolism but also concrete, long-term cooperation.
On July 14, 2025, for the first time in history, an Indonesian President was officially invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to attend France’s most important national celebration. Indonesia was placed alongside major powers such as India, Brazil, and the United States, which have previously received similar honors. A full state welcome was conducted, including the playing of “Indonesia Raya” in the heart of Paris.
President Macron personally expressed his appreciation to President Prabowo via his official social media account, calling Prabowo a “friend and strategic partner for France.” Prabowo’s reply in French reflected his diplomatic maturity and respect for symbolic gestures between nations.
The Bastille Day celebration also marked the 75th anniversary of Indonesia–France diplomatic relations. Macron even recalled his visit to the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang as a memorable moment that strengthened the friendship between the two countries, not only in defense cooperation but also in cultural and educational exchanges.
Yet the symbolism did not stop there. Prior to the event, President Prabowo met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, successfully concluding the long-stalled Indonesia–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA). This breakthrough—reached after over a decade of negotiations—resulted in the elimination of nearly all trade tariffs between Indonesia and the European Union, opening up a vast new market for Indonesian products across a region of 460 million people.
Ali Rif’an, Executive Director of Arus Survei Indonesia, described Prabowo’s diplomatic success as a clear signal that Indonesia is now actively shaping its own global economic architecture. He stressed that diversifying trade partnerships toward the EU is a crucial move to reduce Indonesia’s dependency on a single major economic power, such as the United States.
Ali also underlined the next challenge for Indonesia: ensuring domestic industries and SMEs are ready to meet the strict standards of the European market.
The presence of the “Patriot Indonesia II” contingent—comprising 500 personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Police, and cadets—during the Bastille Day parade along the Champs-Élysées further showcased Indonesia’s soft power. This was not just a display of military strength but a representation of Indonesia’s diversity, discipline, and peaceful national identity. Here, defense diplomacy blended seamlessly with cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
President Prabowo demonstrated that modern diplomacy is not only about formal agreements but also about building trust, forging personal relationships between leaders, and creating mutually beneficial partnerships. His approach—flexible yet principled, substantive without ignoring symbols—embodied a sophisticated diplomacy.
Indonesia’s long-standing independent and active foreign policy was reaffirmed. President Prabowo chose not to align with any specific bloc but instead to build bridges of dialogue and cooperation across regions—essential for Indonesia’s role as a non-aligned nation and ASEAN leader.
Prabowo’s diplomatic skills were evident not only in the warm receptions he received from world leaders but also in the growing trust placed in Indonesia. He effectively used historic moments like Bastille Day to strengthen Indonesia’s bargaining power and broaden its strategic partnerships.
In a world clouded by uncertainty, a leader capable of expanding global networks and building trust is a national asset. President Prabowo has demonstrated that capability with both elegance and substance.
From his firm steps down the Champs-Élysées, to warm conversations at the Élysée Palace, and the successful advancement of strategic trade agreements, President Prabowo has proven that Indonesia is ready to speak the language understood by the world: the language of respect, courage, and collaboration.
*) The writer is a contributor to the Lingkar Khatulistiwa Institute
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