Indonesia, France to Deepen Bilateral Ties Through Strategic Cooperation
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that France and Indonesia have agreed to enhance their bilateral relationship through strategic cooperation on a range of future-oriented and high-impact projects.
In a written statement shared via his official account on social media platform X, President Macron said the decision was made following discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. “We have decided to strengthen the relations between our countries through ambitious and future-orientated projects,” Macron wrote.
The French leader highlighted that the upcoming framework for bilateral cooperation will be formalized during his state visit to Indonesia at the end of May 2025. He noted that this visit would mark a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Paris and Jakarta.
Macron emphasized that Indonesia and France share a common commitment to bolstering collaboration in key sectors, including defense, economy, science, culture, and academic exchange. He also stressed both countries’ interest in building the economy of the future by creating resilient and sustainable value chains, particularly in the critical minerals sector, and by supporting the global energy transition.
“France and Europe are keen to work with Indonesia to develop a resilient value chain, particularly in critical minerals, and to support the energy transition,” he stated.
President Macron also underlined the shared commitment of both nations to promoting peace and international security. “We are determined to promote peace and security in the Middle East and end Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine,” he affirmed.
Additionally, Macron revealed plans for Indonesia and France to co-host an international conference on Gaza in June 2025, reflecting both nations’ continued engagement in global peace efforts.
“The future is developed through strong partnership, open trade, and common vision,” Macron concluded.
The announcement comes amid preparations for Macron’s upcoming state visit, which has been a focal point of recent diplomatic engagements. In March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta to discuss bilateral cooperation and the planned visit. Barrot underscored the importance of Indonesia as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia, given its status as the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
France views the visit not only as a step toward deepening bilateral relations with Indonesia but also as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the European Union and ASEAN.
