Indonesia and France have had diplomatic relations since 1947, spanning over seven decades of friendship and mutual respect. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron received a grand state welcome in Jakarta, with the grounds of Merdeka Palace and the area surrounding the National Monument (Monas) filled by about 3,000 neatly dressed students waving flags of both countries. The motorcade carrying President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, under tight security, made its way to the palace from Monas, creating a ceremonial atmosphere.
President Macron was warmly greeted by the students upon his arrival at Merdeka Palace, where President Prabowo Subianto officially welcomed him. The two leaders walked together to the ceremonial grounds, accompanied by the national anthems of Indonesia and France and a 21-gun salute as a formal tribute. Prabowo and Macron inspected the honor guard under Jakarta’s clear blue sky, with Macron acknowledging the enthusiastic students waving flags in the palace courtyard.
Various ministers from the Red and White Cabinet, along with Prabowo’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo, attended the ceremony. 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 of Indonesia and France. Following the welcome ceremony, the two heads of state engaged in a closed-door bilateral meeting to discuss strategic partnerships, indicating a deepening of ties between the two countries.
