Arriving in Jakarta, President Macron Expresses Appreciation for Indonesia’s Beauty, Friendship with President Prabowo

President of the Republic of France and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday (05/27). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President of the Republic of France and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday night (05/27) for a state visit. The aircraft that carried the President, the First Lady and the delegates landed on Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base at around 10 p.m. Western Indonesian Time. They were directly welcomed warmly with the respectful and cultural traditions of Indonesia.

Some high officials from Indonesia and France also attended the official welcome. They were Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar, France Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone, and also Vice Governor of Jakarta who welcomed President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrivals under the aircraft stairs.

After that, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron walked side by side through the honor guard. The ceremony was festive with the performance of Nandak Ajer, an Indonesian traditional dance, adding to the warm evening. President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron seemed to enjoy the dance before entering the official vehicle.

In his press statement upon arrival in Jakarta, President Macron expressed his gratitude to be able to revisit Indonesia which he referred to as a beautiful country and meaningful to France. He also expressed his thankfulness and enthusiasm to reunite with President Prabowo Subianto.

“I am very excited to meet again with my brother, President Prabowo. He is a good friend of mine and the relationship with your country is a very strategic and friendly one,” said President Macron.

From the airport, President Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, and delegates continued the trip to the hotel for their stay in Jakarta. The next day, on Wednesday (05/28), President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to officially welcome President Macron and the First Lady for their state visit, with a state ceremony held in Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

The visit is an important momentum to enhance the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and France which has been tied for more than seven decades. It also shows the commitment of both countries to work together amidst global challenges. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD)