"We will sign the LoI tomorrow with other ministers. In essence, we will develop cooperation in the defense sector between Indonesia and France, especially for strategic defense equipment,” Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated after welcoming President Macron at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Tuesday evening (May 27).
He explained that the LoI on defense cooperation involved the purchase of strategic defense equipment, including the Rafale fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation and the Scorpene submarine developed by Naval Group.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, last November, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his French counterpart, Macron, discussed the enhanced cooperation in defense through the provision of Rafale fighter jets and the joint development of submarines.
Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL and France's Naval Group have established a joint venture to build the Scorpene Evolved submarine equipped with advanced propulsion and weaponry technology.
The collaboration enables Indonesia to receive knowledge transfer from France and enhances the nation's self-sufficiency in its maritime industry.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Defense Ministry has finalized the three contracts required to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets produced by Dassault Aviation. The first Rafale fighter jets are expected to arrive in Indonesia by early 2026.
President Prabowo is scheduled to officially welcome President Macron at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday. A ceremony of honor will be held as part of the official welcoming event.
At the Palace, President Prabowo and President Macron will meet in person and lead a bilateral meeting between the Indonesian and French governments. The two leaders are also expected to issue a joint statement on the meeting's outcomes.
Following the meeting at the Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo is set to invite President Macron to visit Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, and the Military Academy in Magelang on Thursday (May 29). The visit to Borobudur Temple is reportedly at President Macron's request.
President Macron's visit to Jakarta and Magelang is scheduled to take place from May 27 to 29, 2025.
The visit is part of Macron's series of overseas trips to the Indo-Pacific region, which also includes stops in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. After completing his visit to Indonesia, President Macron is scheduled to proceed to Singapore.
Translator: Genta Tenri Mawangi, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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