After Moscow, Indonesian President Visits France to Discuss Strengthening Defense Cooperation
Jakarta, Wednesday, April 15 — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday regarding strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defense sector.
According to an Indonesian government statement, both sides "discussed enhancing strategic partnership," with collaboration encompassing the procurement of military equipment and bolstering defense industries. The statement also noted that France is Indonesia’s strategic partner in Europe. The two leaders further agreed to cooperate in areas such as "energy transition and the development of new and renewable energy sources."
France has been intensifying its cooperation with Indonesia, a key Indo-Pacific nation, since last year. President Macron paid a state visit to Indonesia last year, and Indonesia was the invited guest of honor at France’s national celebration event the same year.
Reports indicate that the heads of state discussed prospects for strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation—particularly in economic and defense domains—as well as measures to address crises in the Middle East and Ukraine. In early January, Indonesia received its first batch of three French-made Rafale fighter jets, part of a $8.1 billion contract signed with France for the purchase of 42 aircraft. During Macron’s visit to Jakarta, then-French Minister of Defense Florence Parly stated that Indonesia had signed a letter of intent with Dassault Aviation to acquire new Rafale fighters, though she did not disclose the exact number or timeline. She also revealed that Indonesia had committed to purchasing light frigates and Scorpène-class submarines from the Franco-German consortium KNDS Group, as well as Caesar howitzers and ammunition.
Since Prabowo assumed office, Indonesia has been actively modernizing its aging military equipment and expanding international cooperation through grand diplomacy. Prabowo recently visited South Korea and Japan, and has been frequently traveling abroad. On Monday, the Indonesian president held a five-hour meeting with Russian President Putin at the Kremlin before flying directly to Paris. Both sides discussed "strengthening strategic partnership, particularly in energy, mineral resources, and national industrial development."
According to AFP, Jakarta adheres to a non-aligned foreign policy. Last year, it joined the “BRICS Plus” group.
Indonesia is also a member of Donald Trump’s “Council for Peace.” While Prabowo shuttles between Russia and Europe, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth at the Pentagon on Monday, announcing the establishment of a significant defense partnership. The two sides will jointly develop new defense technologies and enhance joint training for special forces units.
The joint statement said this relationship reflects "Indonesia’s crucial role in promoting regional stability" and highlights the strength and potential of bilateral defense ties. The statement made no mention of the controversial proposal to allow U.S. military aircraft to overfly Indonesian airspace—an issue previously reported to be under discussion between Indonesia and the United States.
On Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at the Pentagon that Indonesia and the United States are elevating their relationship to a "major defense partnership."
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862547122238480/
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