Indonesia and France have strengthened their bilateral relations in 2025, with a focus on strategic partnerships across multiple sectors. President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Indonesia in May 2025 marked a significant milestone in the two countries' diplomatic relationship, resulting in the signing of 21 bilateral agreements. These agreements cover various areas, including defense, sustainable forestry, creative economy, culture, disaster risk management, and transportation.
The defense sector is a key area of cooperation, with Indonesia and France agreeing to strengthen their strategic partnership through a Letter of Intent (LoI) signed in May 2025. This partnership includes joint military exercises, such as the La Perouse 25 exercises held in January 2025, and cooperation on operational, capability, industrial, and training levels. The two countries also plan to hold a 2+2 dialogue between their foreign and defense ministers to discuss regional and global issues.
Indonesia and France have also adopted a Joint Vision 2050, aiming to deepen their strategic partnership and contribute to global stability. The two countries share values of democracy and human rights, and their cooperation extends to promoting peace and security in the region, including conflict resolution in Ukraine and the Middle East. President Prabowo Subianto and President Macron have emphasized the importance of their bilateral relationship, with Prabowo stating that Indonesia and France can contribute to global stability.
Historically, Indonesia and France established diplomatic relations on January 4, 1950, after France recognized Indonesia's sovereignty. The relationship between the two countries has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century when France had indirect relations with Indonesia during the Dutch East Indies colonial era. Over the years, high-level visits have strengthened bilateral ties, including Indonesian President Sukarno's three visits to France in 1963, 1964, and 1965, and President Soeharto's visits in 1972 and 1992. French President François Mitterrand became the first French leader to visit Indonesia in 1986, marking close cooperation between the two nations.
In 2011, Indonesia and France formed a strategic partnership, solidifying their cooperation in various fields, including politics, security, economy, development, education, and culture. This partnership has led to significant collaborations, such as major military and investment procurements discussed during the G20 meeting in Bali in 2022 between French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The two countries have also engaged in maritime dialogue, with their second bilateral maritime dialogue held in Paris in March 2024, and plans to hold the third dialogue in Indonesia in 2025. Today, France is Indonesia's 13th largest investor, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately $2.5 billion in 2011.
Furthermore, Indonesia and France have strengthened their bilateral relations through various agreements and partnerships. Here are some key developments:
- Strategic Partnership: Indonesia and France have a strategic partnership that covers multiple sectors, including defense, energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. This partnership aims to promote cooperation and mutual benefit between the two countries.
- Defense Cooperation: A preliminary defense agreement has been signed, which could lead to future orders for French defense equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines. Indonesia aims to modernize its armed forces and enhance domestic defense capabilities through strategic partnerships with France.
- Economic Deals: Over 20 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have been signed, valued at more than $11 billion. These deals cover various sectors, including:
- Energy and Infrastructure: Partnerships in renewable energy, critical minerals, and green infrastructure.
- Agriculture: Developing farming methods that can withstand climate change and promoting agricultural cooperation.
- Nickel Industry: A partnership between French mining firm Eramet and Indonesian sovereign wealth funds to explore building a strategic investment platform in the nickel industry.
- Maritime Cooperation: Indonesia and France have agreed to hold bilateral maritime dialogues, with the third dialogue scheduled to take place in Indonesia in 2025. They have also collaborated on joint research programs on clean seas and mangrove sustainability.
- Cultural Exchange: French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed admiration for Indonesian culture and hospitality. The two countries have also agreed to promote maritime cultural heritage through exhibitions and other events.
- Upcoming Cooperation: The two countries plan to enhance investment in sectors such as renewable energy, critical minerals, creative economy, logistics, and transportation, and green infrastructure.
Despite the growing bilateral partnership between Indonesia and France, several challenges need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the significant geographical distance between the two countries, which can hinder trade and investment flows. Additionally, there is a need for greater understanding and awareness of each other's markets, cultures, and business practices to facilitate smoother cooperation. Furthermore, Indonesia's complex regulatory environment and bureaucratic processes can sometimes pose difficulties for French businesses looking to invest or operate in the country.
Another challenge is the competition from other countries, such as China, Japan, and the United States, which also have significant economic and strategic interests in Indonesia. To overcome these challenges, both Indonesia and France need to continue strengthening their bilateral ties, enhancing mutual understanding, and identifying areas of common interest. By doing so, they can work together to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of their strategic partnership.
As Indonesia and France continue to strengthen their bilateral partnership, the future holds promising opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including defense, energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. With a shared commitment to mutual benefit and strategic cooperation, both countries are poised to unlock new avenues for growth and development. The partnership's success will depend on navigating challenges and fostering greater understanding between the two nations, but the potential rewards are substantial. As Indonesia and France look to the future, their collaboration is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping regional and global dynamics, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable development.
