Ahead of their third bilateral meeting this year on Thursday, Prabowo and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized their growing strategic alignment amid rising geopolitical tensions and shifting global dynamics, pledging to work together as middle powers in an increasingly polarized world.

Describing Indonesia-France relations as being “at their strongest point yet”, Prabowo said the two countries shared similar views on a range of global and regional issues, while praising Macron’s leadership on the international stage.

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“In several areas, Indonesia and France share the same positions, and our bilateral relations are currently very strong,” Prabowo said, highlighting defense, renewable energy, education and research as key areas of cooperation.

While Indonesia’s ties with France have expanded in recent years across various sectors, defense cooperation has remained at the center of the partnership, with Jakarta turning to French-made Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines as part of its military modernization drive.

Read also: Defense, trade top agenda in Prabowo-Macron talks

France has also steadily strengthened its military posture, ranking sixth globally in the 2026 Global Firepower index, which measures factors such as military manpower, financial resources and logistical capabilities, making it Europe’s second-strongest military after Russia. 

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