Indonesia and France have forged diplomatic ties since 1947, marking over seven decades of partnership. During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Jakarta, a grand state welcome was extended to him as a gesture of friendship and mutual respect. The area around Merdeka Palace and the National Monument (Monas) buzzed with the presence of approximately 3,000 students, elegantly dressed and waving the flags of both Indonesia and France. President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, arrived at Merdeka Palace amid tight security, adding to the ceremonial ambiance of the occasion.
A warm reception awaited President Macron as he greeted the students at Merdeka Palace, where President Prabowo Subianto officially welcomed him. The two leaders proceeded together to the ceremonial grounds, with the national anthems of both countries resonating and a 21-gun salute paying tribute to the occasion. Against Jakarta’s clear blue skies, Prabowo and Macron reviewed the honor guard, with Macron acknowledging the enthusiastic students displaying miniature flags in the palace courtyard.
Attended by ministers from the Red and White Cabinet and Prabowo’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo, the ceremony exemplified the strong ties between Indonesia and France. Macron’s visit also included stops at the Military Academy in Magelang and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Borobudur Temple, highlighting the cultural and educational connections between the two countries. A closed-door bilateral meeting between the leaders ensued, signaling a deepening of strategic partnerships and a strengthening of relations between Indonesia and France.
