Prabowo, Macron strengthen defense and creative cooperation

 Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said he discussed strengthening cooperation in defense, energy and the creative economy with French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting in Paris, as Jakarta seeks to deepen strategic ties with key European partners.

According to a statement from Indonesia’s Government Communications Office received in Jakarta on Wednesday, Prabowo said in a social media post that he met Macron at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday (April 14) to explore expanded cooperation across priority sectors beneficial to both countries.

“Areas discussed include defense procurement and strengthening the defense industry, energy transition and renewable energy development, infrastructure and transportation, as well as education and the creative economy,” Prabowo said.

He added that Indonesia views France as a key strategic partner in Europe for advancing broader and more sustainable bilateral cooperation.

“As an important partner in Europe, Indonesia continues to promote sustainable cooperation with France to open new, concrete and mutually beneficial opportunities for both countries,” he said.

At the Elysee Palace, Prabowo was welcomed with a guard of honor, accompanied by a military band, while Macron greeted him upon arrival in the courtyard after waiting on the palace terrace.

Prabowo arrived in Paris late Monday (April 13) at 11:50 p.m. local time after completing a series of diplomatic engagements in Moscow, Russia.

The visit to the French capital marks a continuation of Indonesia’s strategic diplomacy in Europe, following earlier intensive bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.