French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Indonesia, France, and the European Union.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed France and Indonesia's commitment to strengthening strategic relations into a broader and deeper global partnership amidst global geopolitical dynamics.

President Macron conveyed the commitment in a joint statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who paid a state visit to Paris, France, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

On that occasion, President Macron expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo's state visit to Paris, which took place exactly one year after the former’s state visit to Indonesia.

The French president considered Indonesia an important strategic partner for his country in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesia is an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, and I am sure this is also part of Mr. Prabowo's conviction," he said.

"Indonesia is an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, and I am sure this is also part of Mr. Prabowo's conviction," he said.

In the field of defense and security, Macron highlighted the close cooperation between the two countries, marked by the arrival of the first Rafale fighter jet in Indonesia. President Macron called this concrete evidence of the growing strategic relationship.

Recently, the first Rafale fighter jet arrived in Indonesia, which is proof of this relationship, and today's discussion is also proof of the desire to continue moving forward on this path, he noted.

Beyond defense, President Macron also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Indonesia, France, and the European Union.

Macron hopes that the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and the European Union would be implemented soon to accelerate trade and investment flows in various strategic sectors.

"This is important to implement immediately to remove barriers to trade and investment, to accelerate the development of transportation, health, the energy transition, and defense," he said.

President Macron also expressed his appreciation for the opening of the Indonesian market to French dairy and beef cattle.

Furthermore, Macron welcomed Danantara's investment plan as part of strengthening economic relations between the two countries. Danantara is Indonesia’s state sovereign wealth fund.

In the fields of culture and education, the two leaders also committed to deepening cooperation, which had previously been strengthened through a joint declaration of a cultural strategy at Indonesia’s Borobudur Temple in May 2025.

This cooperation encompasses museums, literature, film, and fashion, as well as strengthening scientific, technological, and university collaboration during the France-Indonesia Year of Innovation 2026.

"France wants to welcome more students, researchers, and talents," President Macron said.

While discussing international issues, President Macron and President Prabowo likewise exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, tensions in the South China Sea, and the Southeast Asian region.

President Macron paid tribute to Indonesia's active position in promoting peace and international dialogue.

"I would like to pay tribute to your very courageous position for peace in the Middle East, and also for the recognition of Palestine. I would also like to pay tribute to the continued involvement of your military in acting for peace and sovereignty in Lebanon," he said.

Regarding the Southeast Asian region, President Macron emphasized that ASEAN holds a crucial position in the Indo-Pacific strategy of France and the European Union.

Therefore, France is ready to continue working with Indonesia to address various global and regional challenges.

"At all levels, the partnership between Indonesia and France is highly relevant and will strengthen our two countries' vision for peace in the current world order," the French president said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window.