Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The discussion centered on strengthening economic cooperation and advancing Indonesia’s military modernization with French-made defense equipment.
According to CNN Indoensia, One key highlight of the meeting was Indonesia’s plan to enhance its military capabilities with French-produced weaponry, including Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets and Naval Group’s Scorpène-class submarines.
“President Macron appreciated Indonesia’s initiative to procure military equipment, including the Rafale jets and submarines,” said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who accompanied President Prabowo.
While Airlangga declined to provide additional details on defense agreements, he emphasized that these initiatives fall under Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan).
Previously, Indonesia through the Ministry of Defense has already signed agreements for 42 Rafale fighter jets in two phases: six units in 2022 and 18 units in 2023. The first batch of aircraft is slated for delivery in early 2026.
Additionally, Indonesia has ordered two Scorpène Evolved submarines featuring advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. These submarines are expected to be completed within five to seven years.
The collaboration also includes technology transfer to Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL, which is involved in manufacturing submarines domestically to bolster the nation’s maritime defense industry.
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Alongside defense, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to economic collaboration through the Indonesia-France Economic Forum. According to Airlangga, President Macron expressed his desire to continue and expand the forum, emphasizing its importance in fostering bilateral economic growth.
“President Macron has asked for the Indonesia-France Economic Forum to continue,” Airlangga noted, highlighting the broader economic aspects of the meeting.
The meeting underscores the deepening ties between Indonesia and France, with significant progress in both strategic defense partnerships and economic cooperation. As Indonesia modernizes its military and strengthens its economic frameworks, the collaboration with France is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
(Raidi/Agung)
