Joint Press Statement by the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the President of the French Republic during Their Visit to Borobudur Temple Complex, Magelang Regency, Central Java Province Thursday, May 29, 2025

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Prabowo Subianto)

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Your Excellency President of the French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron;

Madame Brigitte Macron,

Distinguished guests,

Good afternoon!

Welcome to Borobudur Temple!

It is a great honor for us to welcome Your Excellency to this historic site—a masterpiece of human civilization, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site, rich in history and spiritual significance. As a nation founded on the state philosophy of Pancasila, Indonesia upholds respect for all religions and beliefs. It is therefore a privilege for me, as President of the Republic of Indonesia, to accompany my dear friend, the President of the French Republic, on this meaningful occasion.

Indonesia and France are two great nations with long histories, deeply rooted cultures, and enduring civilizations. We also share the same spirit and uphold common values—humanity, tolerance, respect for cultural heritage, and respect for all religions, beliefs, races, and ethnic groups. We are united by a shared aspiration to nurture harmonious coexistence and lasting peace. We firmly believe that only through friendship, solidarity, and collaboration can we achieve a better life for all.

Your Excellency, thank you for your visit. I am confident and optimistic that our partnership will continue to grow and serve as a bridge for cultural figures, artists, creative industry players, and all key members of society in both our countries.

Thank you.

Merci beaucoup.

President of the French Republic (Emmanuel Macron)

(As translated)

Thank you, President Prabowo Subianto, Ministers, and esteemed colleagues from both France and Indonesia.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, for welcoming us to this extraordinary site—Borobudur Temple—which stands as a testament to the greatness of this civilization. Borobudur is not only a place of worship, but also a spiritual masterpiece of architecture that showcases Indonesia’s excellence. Standing before this temple, built in the 9th century and continuing to inspire the Southeast Asian region, we are reminded of the enduring cultural influence of Indonesia. Yet Borobudur, in my view—as I have said—is also a living place of worship, visited by hundreds of thousands of devotees. It sends a universal message of tolerance and mutual respect, values that Indonesia proudly upholds and shares with the world.

Borobudur stands as a testament to the strength of multilateralism and the spirit of partnership. It was through the collaboration between the Government of Indonesia and UNESCO several decades ago that this temple was successfully restored and inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is here, at this very place, that I wish to express our profound respect and deep admiration for Indonesia’s rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage. This temple is not merely a monument—it is a symbol of human excellence and a source of inspiration for the entire world. This is also what unites us. Since yesterday, we have been discussing our common ground—how culture and creativity serve as unifying forces. These are the very elements that bring our two nations and peoples together.

Today, here at this historic site, we mark an important milestone with the launch of a strategic cultural partnership between France and Indonesia. This morning, our Ministers of Culture—along with several cultural stakeholders present here, whom I sincerely thank—signed a number of agreements to formalize and advance this collaboration.

This stage of the cultural partnership between France and Indonesia rests on two key pillars. The first pillar focuses on cooperation in the fields of world heritage and museums. Indonesia is home to a vast and rich cultural heritage, and France is pleased to contribute its expertise in this area. A partnership has been established between the Indonesian Heritage Agency and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. I am pleased that several Indonesian professionals will be visiting France, allowing us to learn from one another. There will be joint studies conducted at selected priority heritage sites, and we will provide support for concrete actions based on the priorities identified by our Indonesian partners. Research centers, academic institutions, and other cultural bodies in France stand ready to take part in this initiative. This morning, the EFEO signed a partnership agreement, along with the Grand Palais and the Guimet Museum, both of which are preparing exhibitions that will also feature contemporary artists.

The second pillar focuses on the cultural and creative industries, which lie at the heart of our societies. Representing this sector, several prominent figures are present here today. France and Indonesia aim to empower young people through this partnership. It is a joint effort to support the creative and inventive youth of both nations. This initiative has already been launched and will continue to expand—particularly in the film industry—through new cooperation with the Centre National du Cinéma and La Fémis. This includes partnerships for training, distribution, and co-production. The goal is to foster a funding model for cinema that is inclusive and sustainable—one that does not solely rely on major commercial frameworks, in line with the approach France has long pursued.

With regard to “Pintu”, the Indonesian-French fashion incubator program, I would like to express my appreciation to all those present. We will continue the training initiatives that have already been implemented. There will also be a partnership with Fashion Week in France, and I am pleased that several designers and talents from Indonesia have already showcased their work in Paris.

In the field of video games, partnerships are being established with the Cité du Design in Saint-Étienne and several other collaborators. In gastronomy—as with other creative sectors—the list of joint initiatives continues to grow, reflecting the breadth of our partnership. I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all Indonesian creative industry professionals present here today, whose talents have already gained recognition in France—whether at Cannes, through culinary achievements, or as renowned fashion designers.

I would also like to emphasize the importance of a method grounded in balanced partnership—one that is mutually beneficial, based on respectful exchange and the preservation of each other’s identity. We are committed to implementing initiatives such as museum-based education programs, making them vibrant platforms for the sharing of expertise. To gather here, in humility and deep respect, before the magnificent Borobudur Temple to launch this future-oriented partnership is truly a remarkable moment for me. It is a testament to the richness of Indonesian culture, and we are determined to be a reliable partner—a friend, an ally, and, I hope, a collaborator for creators as well.

Long live Indonesia!
Long live France!
Long live the friendship between our two nations!

Thank you.

(APN/TM)