Indonesia and France Strengthen Strategic Defense Equipment Cooperation
Jakarta – The Indonesian and French governments are scheduled to formalize strategic cooperation in the field of main weapons systems (alutsista). This cooperation is an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in the defense and military industry sectors.
President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron are certain to sign a Letter of Intent (LoI) as an initial step in strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
Member of Commission I of the DPR, Amelia Anggraini, said that the defense cooperation signed between Indonesia and France is an important step in modernizing national defense.
The cooperation between Indonesia and France includes the purchase of strategic defense equipment such as Rafale fighter jets made by Dassault Aviation and Scorpene submarines made by Naval Group. This cooperation was signed when French President Emmanuel Macron visited Indonesia and met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
“Commission I of the DPR RI will continue to monitor and provide input on every strategic plan for Indonesia-France cooperation, so that it is in line with national interests,” said Amelia.
Amelia emphasized that defense cooperation must prioritize transparency and accountability so that technology transfer can be useful for building human resource capacity.
In addition, Amelia considered Macron’s visit to Indonesia to show the strengthening strategic partnership between Indonesia and France. This visit not only shows the strength of defense relations, but also relations in the education sector and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Amelia considered Macron’s visit to the Jakarta State University and the Magelang Military Academy to be positive for the younger generation. She hopes that this visit can start a long-term strategic alliance that is mutually beneficial.
“This shows that cooperation does not stop at the military aspect alone, but also extends to the realm of culture, education, and public diplomacy,” said Amelia.
Previously, Minister of Defense (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said that the signing between the Indonesian and French governments was scheduled to take place on May 28, 2025, together with other relevant ministers.
This cooperation will focus on the development of the defense sector, especially in the procurement of the main weapons system (alutsista) made in France.
“The point is that we will develop cooperation in the defense sector between Indonesia and France, especially for French defense equipment. That is fighter jets and also submarines,” explained Sjafrie.
In addition to signing the LoI, the visit agenda also includes a review of the French language laboratory, where TNI personnel, both officers and non-commissioned officers, prepare themselves before undergoing education or training in France.
“Macron will visit to see the French language laboratory, where TNI soldiers, officers and also non-commissioned officers who will leave for France. They are already proficient in French,” said Sjafrie.
This strategic cooperation is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s national defense capacity through technology transfer and increasing the capabilities of military human resources. This is also expected to strengthen Indonesia’s position in maintaining territorial sovereignty and increasing the professionalism and modernization of the TNI amidst the dynamics of regional geopolitics.
This step also reflects Indonesia’s efforts to reduce dependence on one source of defense equipment and expand strategic partnerships with developed countries in order to strengthen the national defense posture.
