Indonesia, France Strengthen Defense Cooperation During President Macron's Visit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the Indonesian and French governments will sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) regarding the development of major strategic weapons systems (alutsista) during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Indonesia.

"This is specifically for the strategic alutsista: fighter jets and submarines," said Sjafrie when welcoming Macron at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Sjafrie mentioned that the fighter jets and submarines referred to are the Dassault Rafale and Scorpene-class submarines. This LoI signing will occur alongside others during the bilateral meeting between Macron and President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta this afternoon.

During his three-day state visit from May 27 to 29, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his delight in being able to visit Indonesia again.

Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, landed at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base at 21:50 local time, Tuesday night, May 27, 2025. The French presidential Airbus A330-200 arrived in Jakarta after departing from Hanoi, Vietnam.

At Halim Perdanakusuma, Macron was greeted by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Betawi dance and music were performed to welcome the entourage. Before getting into the car, Macron took a moment to speak briefly to the media. He said he was happy to be back in Indonesia, having previously attended the G20 summit there two years ago.

"I am happy to be here because your country is beautiful. I remember meeting President Jokowi in Bali two years ago. Now, my wife, my delegation, and I are happy to be here in Indonesia," Macron said before getting into the car.

Macron stated that he had conveyed to Sjafrie his anticipation for the meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. According to Macron, Indonesia is a strategic country, and he wants to enhance the relationship between France and Indonesia.

"The relationship between the two countries is very strategic, and Indonesia is a friendly partner," Macron said.

During his visit to Indonesia, Macron will visit the Magelang Military Academy and the Borobudur Temple in Central Java. It is said that Macron wants to witness the beauty of the world's largest Buddhist temple firsthand.

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