Indonesia and France have had diplomatic relations for over 70 years since 1947. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron received a warm state welcome in Jakarta as a symbol of friendship and mutual respect. The area around Merdeka Palace and the National Monument (Monas) was filled with around 3,000 students from elementary to high school levels, dressed neatly and proudly waving the flags of both Indonesia and France. President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, escorted under tight security, made their way to the palace from Monas, creating a ceremonial atmosphere filled with excitement.
Upon arriving at Merdeka Palace, President Macron greeted the students warmly and was welcomed by President Prabowo Subianto in an official ceremony. The two leaders walked together to the ceremonial grounds, where the national anthems of both countries were played and a 21-gun salute paid formal tribute. Against Jakarta’s clear blue sky, Prabowo and Macron inspected the honor guard, with Macron acknowledging the enthusiastic waving of the miniature flags by students in the palace courtyard.
The ceremony was attended by ministers from the Red and White Cabinet, along with Prabowo’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo. Macron’s visit to Indonesia also included a trip to the Military Academy in Magelang and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Borobudur Temple, highlighting the shared cultural and educational values between Indonesia and France. Following the welcome ceremony, the two leaders held a closed-door bilateral meeting to discuss various strategic partnerships, signaling a strengthening of ties between Indonesia and France.
