Prabowo Welcomes French President Macron with State Ceremony at Merdeka Palace
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron with full state honors at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, marking a significant moment in Indonesia-France diplomatic relations.
Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived at the palace grounds around 09:40 a.m. local time. Their convoy, escorted by military police motorcade and ceremonial horse guards, was met with a formal guard of honor. Hundreds of Indonesian elementary and middle school students waved Indonesian and French flags in a colorful display of hospitality.
President Prabowo, already waiting at the palace entrance, greeted the French leader and his wife with a warm handshake. The two leaders then proceeded to the ceremonial grounds to begin the state reception.
The ceremony began with the French national anthem followed by Indonesia Raya, accompanied by a 21-gun salute — a traditional mark of honor for visiting heads of state.
Prabowo and Macron reviewed the honor guard lined up in the courtyard before introducing their respective delegations. The Indonesian side included key ministers and senior officials, such as: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid.
Also present in the honor guard were Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM Rosan Roeslani, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Following the official reception, both presidents entered the credentials hall for a photo session and to sign the guestbook, symbolizing diplomatic friendship. They then proceeded with a closed-door bilateral meeting.
Macron had arrived in Jakarta the previous evening, landing at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. Speaking to reporters upon arrival, he expressed his delight at returning to Indonesia.
“I’m very happy to meet again with my brother, President Prabowo. He is a dear friend of mine, and the relationship with your country is both strategic and warm,” said President Macron. He praised Indonesia as a beautiful nation with deep significance for France.