More than seventy years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France in 1947. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron received a warm welcome in Jakarta, showcasing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The grand state welcome took place at Merdeka Palace, where approximately 3,000 students from elementary to high school levels gathered, proudly waving Indonesian and French flags. President Macron’s motorcade made its way from Monas to the palace, accompanied by tight security measures, adding to the ceremonial ambiance of the event.
President Macron engaged warmly with the students upon his arrival at Merdeka Palace, where he was welcomed by President Prabowo Subianto in an official ceremony. The two leaders strolled together to the ceremonial grounds, where the national anthems of both countries were played, followed by a 21-gun salute as a formal gesture of respect. Prabowo and Macron then reviewed the honor guard under the clear blue skies of Jakarta, with Macron acknowledging the enthusiastic students cheering in the palace courtyard.
The ceremony was attended by ministers from the Red and White Cabinet, as well as Prabowo’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo. Macron’s visit in Indonesia also included a visit to the Military Academy in Magelang and a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Borobudur Temple, highlighting the shared cultural and educational values of both nations. After the welcoming ceremony, the two heads of state held a private bilateral meeting to discuss various strategic partnerships, reflecting a significant deepening of the relationship between Indonesia and France.
