Jakarta (ANTARA) - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police (Polri) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo sent off an Indonesian contingent for the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, France.

"As guests of honor, this contingent is set to take part in the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, which commemorate the (first) French Revolution," Minister Sjamsoeddin stated at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Sunday.

He noted that the contingent, officially dubbed Patriot Indonesia II, consists of around 500 personnel from the TNI, Polri, and their academies.

The minister emphasized that the invitation represents a great honor for Indonesia and is expected to further strengthen the country's global standing.

"We now hold a respectable place on the international stage, standing among countries striving for technological progress," he pointed out.

French President Emmanuel Macron invited Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to attend Bastille Day in Paris as a guest of honor during his recent visit to Indonesia.

Related news: Prabowo reviews TNI contingent for Bastille Day parade in Paris

“I have received a personal invitation from him (Macron) to attend as an honorary guest a national day of France called Bastille Day, commemorated every July 14—a date linked to the French Revolution that marked the beginning of the modern French Republic,” Prabowo informed.

At a joint press conference with Macron at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on May 28, Prabowo added that the French president also invited Indonesia to send a contingent to march in the parade.

The president expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the invitation and instructed Minister Sjamsoeddin to prepare the best contingent to represent the country.

On July 1, Prabowo reviewed the contingent's readiness during a marching drill at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Defense Minister Sjamsoeddin, and State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi.

Related news: Macron invites Prabowo to Paris for Bastille Day