The recent state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia, which included a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, was a major turning point in the two countries’ bilateral ties. France is committed to being a trustworthy partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and this visit demonstrates this by highlighting defense cooperation, educational exchange, and common geopolitical interests.
An Indo-Pacific Strategic Alliance
The purpose of President Macron’s trip to Indonesia is to strengthen France’s standing as a staunch ally in the face of the growing U.S.-China rivalry. Macron and President Prabowo presided over the signing of 15 agreements in Jakarta that covered critical minerals, trade, defense, culture, and agriculture. Notably, a letter of intent was signed, which might open the door for further defense purchases, such as light frigates, Scorpène submarines, and Rafale fighter jets. The $8.1 billion agreement signed in 2022, which included 42 Rafale jets, Scorpène-class submarines, and Thales radar systems, is being followed by this expanded defense cooperation. The recent accords demonstrate a shared dedication to both modernizing Indonesia’s defense capabilities and maintaining regional stability.
The Importance of the Visit to SMA Taruna Nusantara
President Macron’s visit to the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, Central Java, with President Prabowo, was an interesting part of his schedule. The future military leaders of Indonesia are greatly influenced by this institution. An examination of training and educational initiatives was part of the visit, emphasizing the focus on national defense education and leadership. President Macron’s attendance at Akmil emphasizes how crucial educational exchange is to fortifying bilateral relations. It demonstrates a common understanding that defense cooperation encompasses the development of human capital in addition to hardware. Macron’s visit demonstrates France’s long-term commitment to developing a competent and well-trained Indonesian defense force by meeting with the country’s future military leaders.
Regional Security Consequences
An important development for Indo-Pacific regional security is the expanding defense cooperation between France and Indonesia. These two countries are positioned to have a significant impact on the regional power dynamics as their strategic partnership grows, especially in the fields of defense, military technology, and geopolitical cooperation. The France-Indonesia defense cooperation is a crucial pillar for promoting regional stability, security, and peace in light of the South China Sea tensions, growing worries about Chinese influence, and changing global security dynamics. A more multipolar and balanced security architecture in the Indo-Pacific area is one of the most significant outcomes of France and Indonesia’s increased defense cooperation. A more complex power dynamic is emerging in the region, which has historically been defined by the dominance of major powers like the US and China.
This is especially true given China’s growing influence in the South China Sea and other strategic areas. As a major European actor with deep historical and contemporary connections to the Indo-Pacific, France is essential in preventing any one country—especially China—from controlling the security framework of the area. France establishes itself as a stabilizing force that can offset Chinese influence by strengthening its ties with Indonesia, a key entry point to Southeast Asia. In contrast, Indonesia is becoming more and more important in determining the Indo-Pacific’s future security environment due to its advantageous geographic location, economic expansion, and military modernization initiatives. The sale of Rafale fighter jets, Scorpène submarines, and other defense systems, as well as France’s decision to strengthen its defense partnership with Indonesia, serve to both strengthen Indonesia’s military capabilities and offer a counterbalance to Chinese influence in the region. The foundations of a multipolar security architecture, in which several powers work together to preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, are bolstered by this expanding defense cooperation. By offering regional actors a variety of options for security and defense cooperation, the improved France-Indonesia relationship reduces the risks associated with any one power gaining dominance.
With conflicting territorial claims from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, the South China Sea continues to be one of the Indo-Pacific’s most controversial and strategically important regions. Concerns have been raised throughout the region and beyond by China’s broad claims over most of the South China Sea, which include the building of artificial islands and military outposts. Given the possibility of additional Chinese encroachment in the waters surrounding the Natuna Islands, Indonesia is becoming increasingly concerned about the maritime dispute with China.
In this regard, France-Indonesia defense cooperation is essential to strengthening Indonesia’s standing internationally and improving its capacity to protect its territorial integrity. French military hardware, like the Scorpène submarines and Rafale jets, is present in the South China Sea to help Indonesia maintain a credible deterrence against any possible threats to its sovereignty. Additionally, the partnership gives Indonesia access to advanced training opportunities, intelligence-sharing capabilities, and state-of-the-art military technology—all of which are critical for bolstering its defense posture against China’s expanding military presence in the region.
Additionally, France’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific tells China that international powers are keeping a close eye on its expansionist plans in the South China Sea. Thus, France and Indonesia’s combined military might and strategic alliance help to establish a more secure environment in which the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other legal norms, such as freedom of navigation, can be better enforced. The strategic partnership between France and Indonesia is based on more than just military cooperation; it also stems from a shared dedication to upholding international law and promoting peace in areas of conflict. The two nations’ support for the upcoming peace conference in New York, which is being co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia and aims to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the larger Middle East, is a clear indication of their shared commitment. With the ultimate goal of establishing a two-state solution, the initiative seeks to unite international stakeholders in order to discuss and advance a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
By supporting this peace effort, France and Indonesia show that they are committed to respecting international law and the value of communication and diplomacy in settling disputes. Their credibility as advocates for peace and stability on the international scene is further strengthened by their agreement on global issues. As superpowers, France and Indonesia are demonstrating their dedication to promoting peace and security internationally by actively addressing regional and global issues through multilateral forums and diplomacy.
Their common views on peacekeeping and international law also mirror their larger strategic goals. France and Indonesia are strengthening their partnership by collaborating on global issues like the Gaza situation, which in turn fosters trust and collaboration in other areas of shared interest. Through joint efforts to address global crises or security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the two countries are showcasing the value of working together to address urgent issues and the strength of diplomatic cooperation. Their shared geopolitical interests and dedication to regional security further cement France and Indonesia’s growing strategic partnership. Middle powers like France and Indonesia must work together to advance a stable and inclusive regional order as the Indo-Pacific region becomes a more contested area where major powers like the US, China, and India compete for influence.
Together with cooperative efforts to address global peace and security issues, France’s backing of Indonesia’s military modernization enhances their standing as important players in regional and international governance. This strategic alliance, which is founded on respect and common interests, increases both nations’ capacity to affect events in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. France and Indonesia will probably be crucial in determining the future of the region and making sure that it is a safe, prosperous, and peaceful place for everyone as long as they continue to collaborate. To sum up, closer defense relations between France and Indonesia are an important step toward Indo-Pacific regional security. Both countries help to build a more multipolar and balanced security architecture in the region as they strengthen their strategic partnership. The defense cooperation strengthens Indonesia’s defense capabilities and acts as a check on China’s expanding influence in the area, especially in light of the tensions in the South China Sea. The French-Indonesian partnership is further cemented by their shared dedication to international law and peacebuilding, which positions both countries as important advocates for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. France and Indonesia’s cooperation is a potent illustration of how nations can cooperate to advance regional security, protect national sovereignty, and tackle global issues. The partnership between France and Indonesia will continue to be crucial to the Indo-Pacific’s future peace and stability, which depends on the combined efforts of regional and international powers.
In Conclusion
The meeting with President Prabowo and the tour of SMA Taruna Nusantara during President Macron’s visit to Indonesia represent a multipronged strategy for enhancing bilateral ties. France and Indonesia are establishing the foundation for a strong and long-lasting partnership through defense cooperation, educational exchange, and common geopolitical goals. Their cooperation is evidence of the effectiveness of strategic alliances in fostering regional stability and international peace as both countries negotiate the intricacies of the Indo-Pacific area.
