Indonesia’s deepening ties with France have given President Prabowo Subianto a chance to advance Jakarta’s defence modernisation, strengthen relations with Europe and expand its international footprint.

But analysts say the Paris visit has also fuelled a debate at home on whether deals and diplomatic goodwill arising from Prabowo’s frequent foreign trips can translate into benefits for ordinary Indonesians.

Prabowo, who has visited France four times as president, met his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, when the two leaders agreed to boost ties in defence, clean energy, trade and investment.

They also expressed a commitment to elevate Indonesia-France bilateral relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership, according to a joint statement released by the Élysée presidential palace.

“The relationship between Indonesia and France is, in my opinion, at its best level,” Prabowo said during a joint press conference with Macron.

He called France “an important global power” in preserving the international order.