Indonesia and France have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations after President Prabowo Subianto concluded his latest state visit to Paris, securing a series of agreements worth approximately US$3.5 billion. The visit underscored the growing importance of the Indonesia France strategic partnership, with both countries expanding cooperation across defense, energy, education, technology, and investment.
The visit marked another milestone in diplomatic relations between Jakarta and Paris, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen collaboration in strategic sectors that are expected to shape economic growth and national development over the coming decades. Indonesian officials described the visit as highly productive, highlighting a range of concrete outcomes that extend beyond traditional diplomacy and focus on long-term industrial and technological cooperation.
Head of Indonesia’s Government Communication Agency (Bakom), M. Qodari, said President Prabowo’s trip was designed to strengthen strategic relations with France and generate tangible results for both countries. According to Qodari, the visit served as a reciprocal state visit following French President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Indonesia last year.
The agenda focused on several priority sectors identified by both governments before the visit began. These sectors included defense modernization, technology transfer, educational cooperation, energy development, and the utilization of critical minerals. Indonesian authorities viewed these areas as essential to accelerating industrial transformation while enhancing national capabilities in strategic industries.
One of the most significant topics discussed during the visit was defense cooperation. Indonesia has purchased several major defense systems from France in recent years, making technology transfer a key priority for Jakarta. Indonesian officials have repeatedly emphasized that defense procurement should not be limited to acquiring military equipment but should also contribute to building domestic industrial capabilities.
Qodari noted that technology transfer remains a central objective of Indonesia’s defense cooperation strategy. As the country modernizes its military, policymakers are seeking opportunities to develop local expertise and strengthen domestic defense manufacturing. The discussions in France reflected this broader vision, with both sides exploring ways to enhance industrial collaboration and technical training.
Beyond defense, education emerged as another major pillar of cooperation. Indonesia is looking to strengthen partnerships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly known as STEM fields. The government views STEM education as critical to preparing the workforce needed for future industrial development and technological innovation.
Officials stressed that cooperation with France is intended not only to improve educational exchanges but also to facilitate knowledge transfer and research collaboration. By expanding opportunities in STEM disciplines, Indonesia hopes to support long-term economic competitiveness while creating a stronger foundation for innovation-driven growth.
The visit ultimately resulted in agreements valued at approximately US$3.5 billion, equivalent to around Rp61.25 trillion. These agreements span multiple industries and represent one of the most substantial outcomes of Indonesia-France cooperation in recent years.
Among the notable developments was the launch of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council (FI-HLBC). The council was established through collaboration between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and MEDEF International, the leading business organization representing French companies.
The newly established council is expected to serve as a platform for high-level dialogue between business leaders from both countries. Its objective is to facilitate investment, strengthen trade relations, and help address challenges facing companies operating in both markets. By creating a dedicated forum for cooperation, Indonesia and France aim to accelerate commercial partnerships and encourage new investment opportunities.
A key target announced through the FI-HLBC initiative is the expansion of bilateral trade. Both countries have set an ambitious goal of tripling trade volumes by 2035. Current bilateral trade stands at approximately US$2.6 billion, and policymakers believe stronger business engagement can significantly increase economic exchanges over the next decade.
Energy cooperation also featured prominently during the visit. State-owned energy company Pertamina signed an agreement with SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger, through its Indonesian subsidiary PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara. The partnership is designed to support technological innovation in both conventional and clean energy sectors.
The cooperation includes the development of enhanced oil recovery technologies, exploration of unconventional oil and gas resources, and the adoption of digital solutions powered by artificial intelligence. In addition, both parties will collaborate on initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions through carbon capture and storage technologies, energy efficiency measures, and geothermal energy development.
These projects align with Indonesia’s broader efforts to balance energy security with environmental sustainability. As one of Southeast Asia’s largest energy producers and consumers, Indonesia faces the challenge of meeting rising energy demand while simultaneously reducing emissions and supporting climate objectives.
Pertamina also reached a separate agreement with French energy giant TotalEnergies. The partnership covers a broad range of activities across the energy value chain, including upstream oil and gas operations, liquefied natural gas, energy trading, biofuel development, renewable energy projects, and low-carbon business initiatives.
The agreement reflects increasing cooperation between Indonesian and French energy companies as both countries navigate the global energy transition. Areas under consideration include green refinery development, renewable power generation, carbon capture projects, and emerging energy technologies that could support future economic growth while reducing environmental impact.
Defense cooperation remained one of the most closely watched outcomes of the visit. Through Danantara and PT Len Industri, Indonesia advanced discussions with French defense company Thales by validating a Letter of Intent related to future industrial cooperation projects.
The planned collaboration includes the establishment of a radar manufacturing facility in Indonesia, supporting the government’s goal of increasing domestic defense production capabilities. The project also encompasses tactical data link systems, command-and-control technologies, maintenance facilities, and specialized radar training programs.
Indonesian officials have repeatedly emphasized that technology transfer is essential to maximizing the benefits of defense procurement. Rather than relying solely on imported systems, Jakarta wants foreign partnerships to contribute directly to local industrial development and workforce training.
The proposed cooperation with Thales reflects this approach by combining defense acquisition with industrial capacity building. If implemented successfully, the project could strengthen Indonesia’s domestic defense ecosystem while providing greater self-reliance in key technological areas.
The broader significance of the visit extends beyond individual agreements. It reflects a growing convergence of interests between Indonesia and France at a time when global geopolitical and economic dynamics are undergoing significant change. Both countries have increasingly sought partnerships that combine economic opportunities with strategic cooperation.
For Indonesia, France represents an important partner within Europe, offering advanced technological expertise, industrial capabilities, and investment potential. For France, Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies and a rapidly growing market with significant opportunities across multiple sectors.
President Prabowo’s latest trip also highlighted the increasing frequency of high-level engagement between the two countries. The visit marked his third trip to France this year, underscoring the importance Jakarta places on strengthening relations with Paris.
Following his return to Indonesia, Prabowo described bilateral relations as being at one of the strongest points in their history. His assessment reflects growing confidence among policymakers that cooperation can continue expanding in areas ranging from defense and energy to education and advanced technology.
The agreements reached during the visit are expected to contribute to Indonesia’s long-term development goals by supporting industrial modernization, technological advancement, and economic diversification. At the same time, they reinforce France’s position as one of Indonesia’s key strategic partners in Europe.
As both governments move forward with implementing the newly signed agreements, attention will focus on how quickly projects can be translated into tangible results. Success will depend not only on investment commitments but also on effective coordination between governments, businesses, and institutions involved in the various initiatives.
The outcomes of President Prabowo’s France visit suggest that the Indonesia France strategic partnership is entering a new phase characterized by deeper economic integration, stronger industrial cooperation, and broader collaboration on issues critical to future growth. With billions of dollars in agreements now on the table, both countries appear committed to transforming diplomatic goodwill into long-term strategic gains.
