Indonesia Marches with Pride at Bastille Day 2025, Prabowo Joins Macron as Guest of Honor
Main Takeaways
|
PARIS, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto joined French President Emmanuel Macron as guest of honor at the Bastille Day military parade in Paris on Monday, marking a powerful symbol of growing defense and diplomatic ties between Indonesia and France.
Wearing a black suit, red tie, white shirt, and his signature black peci, President Prabowo arrived at the Champs-Élysées parade ground ahead of the event and was warmly welcomed by President Macron. The two leaders exchanged handshakes and a brief embrace before taking their seats in the Royal Box alongside First Lady Brigitte Macron.
Sitting to Macron’s right, Prabowo watched solemnly as Indonesian troops led the opening segment of the annual parade—a historic first for the Southeast Asian nation.
Indonesia’s participation was headlined by a 500-strong joint contingent of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police, cadets from the military and police academies, and musicians from the “Gita Abdi Negara” marching band. Their entrance, accompanied by the patriotic song Maju Tak Gentar, drew loud applause from both French citizens and international guests.
President Prabowo stood and saluted as the Indonesian contingent passed, underscoring his pride in the nation's armed forces and signaling the importance of Indonesia’s international role in the Indo-Pacific.
A Cultural and Strategic Showcase
The Indonesian troops—dressed in camouflage with distinctive berets and military mascots representing various military branches—marched beneath the Arc de Triomphe alongside the French tricolor. Mascots included stylized helmets shaped like tigers, eagles, sharks, and leopards, each reflecting the strength and identity of different forces within the TNI.
The delegation’s official title, “Patriot Indonesia II,” aimed to showcase not only the professionalism of Indonesia’s military and police but also the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The inclusion of military music and traditional elements further emphasized Indonesia’s soft power in a high-profile international setting.
This year marks the first official appearance of an Indonesian military unit at Bastille Day—a national celebration that honors the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 and symbolizes French unity and liberty.
Deepening Indonesia–France Ties
Joining President Prabowo in the delegation were several senior officials including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Prabowo’s son, Ragowo "Didiet" Hediprasetyo Djojohadikusumo.
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron hosted the Indonesian delegation alongside French ministers and military leadership, reaffirming the countries’ deepening partnership.
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) was also represented, with Chairman Anindya Bakrie and Vice Chairman for Foreign Affairs James T. Riady pictured attending pre-parade ceremonies.
Photo: Investortrust/Primus Dorimulu
Long-Term Strategic Partnership
Indonesia and France have maintained a strategic partnership since 2011. The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations was celebrated in May 2025, reinforcing both countries’ shared commitment to international law, peace, and security—particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
The Bastille Day invitation was seen as a high-level diplomatic gesture highlighting France’s recognition of Indonesia as a key regional partner. It follows increased cooperation in military procurement, joint training exercises, and officer exchanges, particularly among naval and air forces.
By opening this year’s parade with Indonesian forces, France signaled its confidence in the future of bilateral ties and its intention to expand collaboration beyond defense, encompassing education, culture, and economic investment.