Forging a Strategic Axis: The Politics of Indonesia-France Diplomacy in the Prabowo Era

The state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia on May 27–29, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the evolving diplomatic relationship between Jakarta and Paris. Welcomed with full honors by Indonesia's newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto, Macron's three-day trip signaled more than a ceremonial gesture—it reflected the deepening strategic, economic, and defense ties between the two nations amid a rapidly shifting global order.

Source: indonesia.go.id

A Symbolic Yet Strategic Encounter

President Macron’s visit was carefully timed. Occurring just weeks after Prabowo’s official inauguration, it symbolized France’s recognition of Indonesia as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific. The warm personal rapport between the two leaders—characterized by firm handshakes, joint press conferences, and candid bilateral meetings—underscored a political chemistry that goes beyond protocol.

Observers noted how Macron and Prabowo emphasized shared democratic values, maritime cooperation, and the need for a multipolar world order. Indonesia, as the largest democracy in Southeast Asia and a member of the G20, and France, a leading power in the European Union and a resident Indo-Pacific power through its overseas territories, are aligning their foreign policy visions more closely than ever.

The Geopolitical Context

The Macron-Prabowo summit unfolded against the backdrop of a fractured international landscape. Heightened U.S.-China rivalry, growing concerns over Taiwan and the South China Sea, and the ongoing war in Ukraine have catalyzed middle-power diplomacy across regions. France has sought to position itself as an autonomous strategic actor in the Indo-Pacific, independent of both American and Chinese spheres of influence. Indonesia, under Prabowo’s pragmatic leadership, is charting a more assertive, “non-aligned” foreign policy rooted in economic nationalism and strategic balancing.

This shared strategic calculus lends coherence to the budding partnership. During their joint address, Macron and Prabowo reaffirmed their commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” echoing ASEAN centrality while signaling a united front against hegemonic pressures.

Defense Cooperation: A Cornerstone of Diplomacy

A key pillar of Indonesia-France relations is defense cooperation. Under President Joko Widodo, Indonesia had already embarked on diversifying its military procurement, moving away from reliance on traditional partners like the U.S. and Russia. France stepped in as a reliable supplier, sealing a $8.1 billion deal in 2022 for 42 Dassault Rafale fighter jets and exploring submarine collaboration through Naval Group.

President Prabowo, who previously served as Minister of Defense, has been a central figure in cultivating defense ties with France. His familiarity with the French defense ecosystem and emphasis on modernizing the Indonesian Armed Forces have only accelerated bilateral defense projects. During the May 2025 summit, the two countries agreed on joint training initiatives, technology transfer frameworks, and a potential joint defense industrial park in West Java.

This growing military relationship raises Indonesia’s strategic profile while helping France project its influence in Southeast Asia. Critics, however, have warned that increased defense spending may come at the cost of transparency and may entangle Indonesia in foreign military dependencies.

Economic and Green Transition Collaboration

Beyond defense, Macron and Prabowo also focused on boosting economic ties. Bilateral trade, which stood at $3.3 billion in 2024, remains far below its potential. France aims to expand its footprint in Indonesia’s infrastructure, energy, and digital sectors, while Indonesia seeks greater access to European markets for its palm oil, minerals, and halal products.

A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of the Indonesia-France Green Partnership Initiative. As Indonesia ramps up its green transition goals, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and nickel downstreaming, France has positioned itself as a willing investor. French companies like TotalEnergies and EDF have pledged new investments in Indonesia’s renewable energy projects, especially geothermal and solar.

The two leaders agreed to collaborate on sustainable mining practices and battery supply chains, crucial for meeting both nations’ climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Macron praised Prabowo’s balanced approach to development and environmental stewardship, while Indonesian officials welcomed France’s commitment to supporting the energy transition without imposing protectionist barriers.

Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Ties

Amid geopolitics and economics, Macron’s visit also highlighted soft power and cultural diplomacy. A series of cultural events—featuring French-Indonesian art collaborations, film screenings, and culinary exchanges—took place in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties.

The leaders announced a new “Franco-Indonesian Scholarship Fund” and expanded language exchange programs through Institut Français and Indonesian universities. France remains a top destination for Indonesian students in Europe, and educational cooperation is seen as a foundation for long-term bilateral understanding.

Navigating Tensions: The EU’s Deforestation Law and Palm Oil Disputes

Despite the optimism, the relationship is not without its friction points. Indonesia has been vocal in opposing the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation, which Jakarta sees as a veiled form of trade protectionism. As a major palm oil producer, Indonesia argues that the EU’s stringent environmental standards unfairly target its agricultural exports.

During the visit, Prabowo raised these concerns directly with Macron, who acknowledged the need for “dialogue and respect for national development goals.” While no concrete resolution was reached, both sides agreed to establish a working group to harmonize sustainability standards and ensure mutual benefits.

Toward a Strategic Partnership

In many ways, the 2025 Macron-Prabowo summit marked a pivot toward a “strategic partnership” model. From defense to climate, trade to education, both countries are investing in a comprehensive relationship that reflects mutual respect and pragmatic ambition.

For Indonesia, aligning with France offers leverage in navigating great-power rivalries without compromising its independence. For France, deepening ties with Jakarta solidifies its Indo-Pacific outreach and economic diversification beyond traditional Western allies.

President Prabowo’s assertive, nationalistic yet globally engaged foreign policy appears to have found resonance with Macron’s vision of “strategic autonomy.” Their convergence may well define the next decade of Indonesia-France diplomacy, offering a template for mid-sized powers seeking equilibrium in an uncertain world.