Indonesia, France step up cooperation in economy, defence

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed economic and defence cooperation during a bilateral meeting on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Antara reported.

President Macron commended Indonesia's plan to enhance its defence cooperation with France through the provision of Rafale jet fighters and joint development of submarines.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL and French Naval Group have set up a joint venture to build the Scorpene Evolved submarine equipped with advanced propulsion and weaponry technology.

The collaboration allows Indonesia to receive knowledge transfer from France and strengthens the maritime industry's self-sufficiency, according to the Indonesian news agency.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Defence Ministry has also completed the three contracts necessary to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets produced by France’s Dassault Aviation. The first Rafale fighter jets are expected to arrive in Indonesia by early 2026.

Touching on bilateral economic cooperation, Macron suggested both sides continue organising the France-Indonesia Business Forum, with the latest event held in September with the participation of the public and private sectors of the two countries.