Seven decades have passed since Indonesia and France established diplomatic relations in 1947. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron was warmly welcomed in Jakarta as a symbol of the friendship and mutual respect between the two nations. The grand state welcome took place at Merdeka Palace, where about 3,000 neatly dressed students from elementary to high school levels enthusiastically waved the flags of Indonesia and France. The motorcade carrying President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron made its way from Monas to the palace, accompanied by tight security, enhancing the ceremonial atmosphere.
Upon his arrival at Merdeka Palace, President Macron was greeted by President Prabowo Subianto in an official welcome. The two leaders walked together to the ceremonial grounds, accompanied by the national anthems of both countries and a 21-gun salute as a formal tribute. Macron showed appreciation for the enthusiastic students waving miniature flags in the palace courtyard as they further inspected the honor guard under Jakarta’s clear blue sky.
The ceremony was attended by ministers from the Red and White Cabinet, along with Prabowo’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo. Macron’s visit to Indonesia also included a trip to the Military Academy in Magelang and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Borobudur Temple, highlighting the shared cultural and educational values between Indonesia and France. Following the welcome ceremony, the two heads of state engaged in a closed-door bilateral meeting to discuss various strategic partnerships, signifying a deepening of ties between the two nations.