Jakarta — More than seven decades have passed since Indonesia and France established diplomatic relations in 1947. Now, in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, French President Emmanuel Macron received a grand state welcome in Jakarta.

From early morning, the grounds of Merdeka Palace and the area surrounding the National Monument (Monas) were filled with about 3,000 students from elementary to high school levels. Dressed neatly and brimming with enthusiasm, they stood in lines waving the flags of Indonesia and France—a vivid symbol of the close bond between the two nations.

From the direction of Monas, the motorcade carrying President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron made its way toward the palace. The convoy was escorted under tight security, featuring 17 motorcycle escorts and 50 mounted guards, adding to the ceremonial atmosphere.

President Macron rolled down the window of his vehicle and waved to the students who greeted him warmly. Upon his arrival at Merdeka Palace, he was received by President Prabowo Subianto in an official welcome.

The two leaders then walked together to the ceremonial grounds. The national anthems of both countries were played in turn, accompanied by a 21-gun salute as a formal tribute to the visiting head of state.

Afterward, Prabowo and Macron inspected the honor guard, walking side by side under Jakarta’s clear blue sky. Macron smiled warmly throughout, especially when acknowledging the students waving enthusiastically with miniature flags in the palace courtyard.

The ceremony was attended by several ministers from the Red and White Cabinet, including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Defense Minister Safri Syamsudin, Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry Rosan P. Roslani, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Tourism Minister Widyanti Putri, Culture Minister Fadli Zon, Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid, and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.

Adding a personal touch to the event, Prabowo’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo, was also present at the state welcome.

Macron’s visit to Indonesia will continue with a trip to the Military Academy in Magelang and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur Temple. These stops reflect the closeness between the two countries—not just in political and economic terms, but also through shared values in culture and education.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two heads of state held a closed-door bilateral meeting to discuss various strategic partnerships, marking a deepening of ties between Indonesia and France.