Prabowo's France State Visit Marks New Era of Strategic Partnership

President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to France this week has produced a suite of agreements that could reshape Indonesia’s relationship with one of Europe’s most influential nations — and by extension, its standing in the global arena.

Standing alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Thursday, Prabowo announced the establishment of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council, a platform designed to accelerate investment flows and commercial collaboration between the two countries.

A New Business Council

“We want to enhance this cooperation, increase investment in both countries,” Prabowo told reporters during a joint press statement. “I am very pleased to welcome the establishment of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council.”

The numbers already tell a compelling story. Between 2021 and the first quarter of 2026, French investment in Indonesia reached US$1.69 billion, growing at an average annual rate of 33.7% and employing over 37,000 local workers. Bilateral trade stood at US$2.4 billion in 2024, though Indonesia still runs a deficit of US$532 million — something both sides are keen to address.

The new council is expected to open doors in sectors ranging from defense and aerospace to clean energy and digital infrastructure, areas where French companies hold significant expertise.

Standing Together on Palestine

Beyond economics, the two leaders found common ground on one of the world’s most pressing geopolitical issues. Both nations reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace between Israel and Palestine.

“Peace in the Middle East is in our shared interest,” Prabowo said. “Indonesia remains of the view that there can be no peace in the Middle East without the two-state solution and justice for the Palestinian people.”

The joint stance signals Indonesia’s willingness to leverage its growing diplomatic weight in global conversations — and France’s recognition of Southeast Asia’s largest economy as a meaningful partner in international affairs.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The visit elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, covering:

Defense cooperation — building on existing military ties
Clean energy development — including Indonesia’s nascent wind energy projects
Education and research — expanding academic exchanges
I-EU CEPA progress — advancing the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

For Prabowo, who has positioned himself as a pragmatic leader focused on economic growth and national strength, the France visit delivers tangible outcomes. For Macron, deepening ties with Indonesia offers France a stronger foothold in ASEAN at a time when European nations are competing for influence in the Indo-Pacific.

What It Means for Indonesia

The visit comes at a moment when Indonesia’s economy is showing resilience. BPS data confirms that Q1 2026 growth remained solid, driven by strong domestic consumption. ADB projects 5.2% growth for the year.

Yet challenges persist. The rupiah has faced pressure, and the government has had to maintain subsidized rice prices (SPHP) to protect consumers. Against that backdrop, attracting foreign investment — particularly from high-value sectors — is not just desirable but necessary.

The France-Indonesia Business Council, if it delivers on its promise, could help close the trade deficit, bring advanced technology transfers, and create the kind of skilled jobs that Indonesia’s young workforce increasingly demands.

One state visit doesn’t transform an economy. But the breadth of agreements signed in Paris suggests that both Jakarta and Paris see something more durable than a diplomatic photo op — they see a partnership worth building.

Sources: ANTARA News Agency, Indonesia Investment and Downstreaming Ministry