More than seven decades have passed since Indonesia and France established diplomatic relations in 1947. In a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, French President Emmanuel Macron received a grand state welcome in Jakarta. The atmosphere was ceremonious as the grounds of Merdeka Palace and the area surrounding the National Monument (Monas) were filled with about 3,000 neatly dressed students from elementary to high school levels waving the flags of Indonesia and France. President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived at the palace in a motorcade escorted under tight security, creating a festive and formal setting.
President Macron warmly greeted the students upon his arrival at Merdeka Palace, where he was received by President Prabowo Subianto in an official welcome. The two leaders walked together to the ceremonial grounds, with both countries’ national anthems playing and a 21-gun salute as a formal tribute. Prabowo and Macron then inspected the honor guard under Jakarta’s clear blue sky, with Macron appreciating the enthusiasm of the students waving miniature flags 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 to Indonesia includes trips to the Military Academy in Magelang and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Borobudur Temple, highlighting the shared cultural and educational values between Indonesia and France. After the welcome ceremony, the two heads of state engaged in a closed-door bilateral meeting to discuss various strategic partnerships, signaling a strengthening of ties between the two countries.
