Prabowo believes that his presence as the guest of honor, along with the participation of the TNI-Polri Patriot II Task Force contingent in the French national day military parade, reflects the close defense cooperation between Indonesia and France.
"I am honored to be able to attend the Bastille Day celebration at the direct invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. I am proud that the TNI contingent took part in the military parade along the Champs-Élysées, performing a drum band parade at the opening of the event," Prabowo wrote on his personal social media account @prabowo on Tuesday.
According to the president, Indonesia's participation in the Bastille Day military parade marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and underscores Indonesia's strong position as France's strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
"This invitation also reflects the close defense cooperation between Indonesia and France in various fields, from defense equipment modernization, joint military training, to the exchange of knowledge and technology," the head of state remarked.
In a separate post on his personal Instagram account @prabowo, he also expressed gratitude to President Macron, accompanied by several photos of both leaders after watching the Bastille Day military parade.
"Thank you, Mr. President, for this honorable invitation and for the expression of friendship that unites our two countries," Prabowo stated.
As part of the Bastille Day parade, they witnessed the Indonesian contingent, comprising 451 joint personnel from the TNI and the National Police (Polri), as well as cadets from the TNI and Polri academies.
The Indonesian Patriot Task Force II contingent was granted the honor of leading the parade's opening segment.
As the Indonesian contingent marched along the Champs-Élysées and passed by President Prabowo and President Macron, the anthem "Maju Tak Gentar" was played by the cadet drum band.
Several live broadcasts of the Bastille Day parade in Paris showed President Prabowo standing and saluting as the Patriot Task Force II contingent marched by, while President Macron applauded the Indonesian contingent's march.
Bastille Day commemorates the French National Day on July 14, 1789. This year's parade also marked the 100th anniversary of the lighting of the eternal flame, La Flamme, and the remembrance symbol "Bleuet de France," honoring war heroes and victims.
The tradition of inviting world leaders as guests of honor to the Bastille Day parade began symbolically in the late 20th century. The guest of honor is seated on the main podium with the French president and other dignitaries of the host nation, and may include military participation from the visiting nation.
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Translator: Genta Tenri M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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