French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Indonesia is part of France’s ongoing efforts to increase its engagement in Southeast Asia and pursue a strategic role as a balancing power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Jakarta stop, following a visit to Vietnam earlier in the week, is the second leg of a broader regional tour designed to promote Macron’s so-called “third way” – a middle path between the growing influence of the United States and China.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has become a key partner in this vision.
During Macron’s visit this Wednesday, the two countries signed a series of agreements across defence, trade, agriculture, energy, and disaster management.
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Defence cooperation
Defence cooperation took centre stage in the talks, with Macron confirming a letter of intent that could lead to new Indonesian orders for French Rafale fighter jets, Scorpène submarines, and light frigates - building on a €7 billion deal in 2022 for 42 Rafales.
While France has yet to deliver any Rafales, the planned arrival of the first six in 2026 signals a steady shift in Indonesia’s procurement strategy.
Jakarta, once reliant on Russian military equipment, is now turning increasingly to French suppliers.
President Prabowo Subianto, formerly defence minister, has called France a key partner in Indonesia’s defence modernisation, citing joint production and technology transfer.
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Recognition of Palestine
The visit also had a strong diplomatic dimension, particularly on the Israel-Palestine issue.
Macron and Prabowo issued a joint statement calling for progress towards a two-state solution and condemned Israeli plans to take control of Gaza or forcibly displace Palestinians.
In a rare policy shift, Prabowo stated that Indonesia would be prepared to recognise Israel – but only if it first recognised Palestinian statehood.
This conditional offer is a notable departure for a country that has long maintained no diplomatic ties with Israel.
Macron, who has increasingly signalled a willingness to recognise a Palestinian state, is working with Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to co-host a UN conference next month aimed at reviving the peace process.
He described the upcoming event as an opportunity to set out a “credible roadmap” for mutual recognition and a lasting resolution.
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French business interests
Beyond defence and diplomacy, Macron also looked to secure new trade deals.
Executives from French companies such as Eramet, TotalEnergies, and Danone joined Macron in Jakarta. France is targeting Indonesia - home to the world’s largest nickel reserves - to secure critical minerals for its energy transition technologies.
The Eramet delegation is reportedly pursuing talks around operating permits and investment in battery supply chains, especially following the company’s withdrawal from a previous joint venture with BASF.
Macron’s push for closer economic ties is aimed not just at securing contracts, but at reinforcing long-term French engagement in the region.
Macron continues his Southeast Asian tour with a final stop in Singapore, to underline that France wants to be seen as a reliable, independent partner – not just a counterweight to the US or China.
