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Euronews
29-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
France and Indonesia enhance cultural ties with new partnership deal
France has signed a cultural partnership with Indonesia, with an emphasis on preserving cultural heritage and the development of human resources. The new pact also includes promotion of cultural products such as films, music and textiles and encourages collaboration between cultural institutions in both countries. "We aim to enhance cultural dialogue between the two nations, particularly by engaging younger generations and contemporary cultural practitioners," said Indonesia's Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. The agreement also covers museum development and archival digitisation and serves as "an operational framework to implement the cultural vision" of both countries' leaders, the culture ministry said. Initiatives set to be launched under the agreement include the Indonesia–France Film Lab and the Borobudur Cultural Centre. "Through an inclusive approach, we hope to generate both cultural and economic added value for our nations," Fadli said. The deal was signed as French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up his state visit to Indonesia, which ended with a tour of Borobudur Temple, one of the world's largest Buddhist monuments, alongside President Prabowo Subianto. Macron, currently on a week-long diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, arrived in Indonesia with First Lady Brigitte Macron on Tuesday evening, the second stop of his tour after Vietnam. On arrival, Macron had warm words for Indonesia's leader, describing him as a brother and "a great friend of mine". Military cooperation between Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, and France has grown in recent years, starting in 2019 when Subianto became defence minister. Indonesia finalised an order for 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets in January 2024, with the first delivery expected in early 2026. The Asian nation also announced the purchase of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control interception radars. Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters after welcoming Macron that the visit was aimed at strengthening "defence cooperation between Indonesia and France." Macron ends his tour in Singapore where he's expected to speak at Asia's top defence conference, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. Far-right Chega party has become Portugal's main opposition party, following a final tally of votes from the 18 May election. After the initial round of counting, the party was tied on 58 seats with the Socialist Party (PS), which received a slightly higher share of the vote. However, Chega — which means "Enough" in Portuguese — secured two more seats after overseas voting was taken into account, while the PS stayed on 58. 'This is a profound change in the Portuguese political system," Chega leader André Ventura told supporters after his party had overtaken the PS. The election results broke with the country's political status quo, as centre-right and centre-left parties have typically alternated between government and opposition. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's centre-right Democratic Alliance secured 91 seats of the National Assembly's 230 seats, making it the largest bloc in parliament. Montenegro, who has ruled out working with Chega, said he would form a new minority government. The mid-May election — the third national vote in as many years — was called after Montenegro lost a confidence vote in parliament, following concerns about the prime minister's business dealings. He denies any wrongdoing. Chega's rise coincides with far-right gains across Europe, with parties including Alternative for Germany (AfD) now in the political mainstream. The former fringe party, which campaigned under the slogan 'Save Portugal', took only one seat when it first competed in elections in 2019. Since then, its hardline stance against immigration has seen it surge in popularity.
28-05-2025
- Business
France's Macron presses ahead on his South Asia tour with talks in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- The French president met with his Indonesian counterpart on Wednesday as Emmanuel Macron continued his week-long trip to Southeast Asia focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape. Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on Tuesday evening for the second stop in his tour after Vietnam, where Macron signed a deal to sell Hanoi 20 Airbus planes. On arrival, Macron had warm words for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, describing him as a brother and 'a great friend of mine.' Military cooperation between Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, and France grew in recent years, starting in 2019 when Subianto became defense minister. He and Macron met last November on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil, where they discussed Indonesia's plans to buy fighter jets and submarines from France. Indonesia finalized an order for 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets in January 2024, with the first delivery expected in early 2026. The Asian nation also announced the purchase of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control interception radars. Five of the radar systems are expected to be installed in Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara. Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters after welcoming Macron that the visit is aimed at strengthening "defense cooperation between Indonesia and France,' On Wednesday, Subianto hosted the Macrons in a ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta before the two leaders went in for a bilateral meeting. Afterward, the two presidents oversaw the signing of more than a dozen agreements, including a letter of intent for Indonesia to purchase of strategic weapons systems, especially fighter planes and submarines. The developments "can open a new perspective with new orders for Rafales, Scorpènes, and light frigates, along with consolidated joint exercises,' Macron said at a joint news conference. Subianto said that France is one of Indonesia's main partners 'in the modernization of defense equipment, including in the development of the defense industry through joint production and technology transfer.' The two also discussed global issues, particularly the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Indonesia is seeking to upgrade and modernize its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defense industry. Subianto crisscrossed the globe after becoming defense minister, traveling to China, France, Russia, Turkey and the United States in a bid to acquire new military weapon systems as well as surveillance and territorial defense capabilities. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and Britain. Some of those aircraft have reached or will soon reach their end-of-life phase and need to be replaced or upgraded. The two countries also signed agreements on trade, investment, energy, critical minerals and forestry. Macron was also to meet with ASEAN's Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and speak at Jakarta State University. On Thursday, Macron and his wife are to visit Borobudur, a 9th century Buddhist temple in the center of Indonesia's Java island, and a military academy before heading to Singapore, where the French leader will speak at Asia's top defense conference, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indonesian and French leaders meet for defense and trade talks
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday in a visit aimed at boosting defense and trade cooperation as part of his roughly week-long trip to Southeast Asia focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape. Macron arrived in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on Tuesday evening with French First Lady Brigitte Macron for a three-day visit to Southeast Asia's largest economy. It was the second stop in his tour of the region after Vietnam, where Macron signed a deal to sell Hanoi 20 Airbus planes. 'We are very excited to meet again with my brother, President Prabowo,' Macron told reporters shortly after arriving at Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusuma air force base late Tuesday, 'He is a great friend of mine and the relationship with your country is a very strategic and friendly one." Military cooperation between Indonesia and France has grown in recent years, while Subianto was serving as Indonesia's defense minister. The two leaders met last November on the sidelines of the 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil, where they discussed Indonesia's plans to buy fighter jets and submarines from France. Indonesia finalized an order for 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets in January 2024, and the first delivery is expected in early 2026. The country also announced the purchase of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control interception radars. Five of the radar systems are expected to be installed in the country's new capital, Nusantara. Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the two leaders will oversee the signing of letter of intent for the procurement of strategic weapons systems including fighter planes and submarines. 'The essence of this (visit) is to strengthen defense cooperation between Indonesia and France,' Sjamsoeddin told reporters after welcoming Macron and his wife at the air force base on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Subianto hosted Macron and Brigitte in a ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta before the two leaders led a bilateral meeting. Indonesia has embarked on a drive to upgrade and modernize its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defense industry. Subianto has crisscrossed the globe since he was appointed as defense minister in 2019, traveling to China, France, Russia, Turkey and the United States in a bid to acquire new military weapon systems as well as surveillance and territorial defense capabilities. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and Britain. Some of those aircraft have reached or will soon reach their end-of-life phase and need to be replaced or upgraded. During the visit, Macron is also scheduled to meet with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to discuss regional issues, and to give public lectures at Jakarta State University. On Thursday, Macron and his wife are expected visit Borobudur, a 9th century Buddhist temple in the center of Indonesia's Java island and to visit a military academy before heading to Singapore, where he will speak at Asia's top defense conference, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
The Hill
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Indonesian and French leaders meet for defense and trade talks
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday in a visit aimed at boosting defense and trade cooperation as part of his roughly week-long trip to Southeast Asia focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape. Macron arrived in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on Tuesday evening with French First Lady Brigitte Macron for a three-day visit to Southeast Asia's largest economy. It was the second stop in his tour of the region after Vietnam, where Macron signed a deal to sell Hanoi 20 Airbus planes. 'We are very excited to meet again with my brother, President Prabowo,' Macron told reporters shortly after arriving at Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusuma air force base late Tuesday, 'He is a great friend of mine and the relationship with your country is a very strategic and friendly one.' Military cooperation between Indonesia and France has grown in recent years, while Subianto was serving as Indonesia's defense minister. The two leaders met last November on the sidelines of the 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil, where they discussed Indonesia's plans to buy fighter jets and submarines from France. Indonesia finalized an order for 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets in January 2024, and the first delivery is expected in early 2026. The country also announced the purchase of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control interception radars. Five of the radar systems are expected to be installed in the country's new capital, Nusantara. Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the two leaders will oversee the signing of letter of intent for the procurement of strategic weapons systems including fighter planes and submarines. 'The essence of this (visit) is to strengthen defense cooperation between Indonesia and France,' Sjamsoeddin told reporters after welcoming Macron and his wife at the air force base on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Subianto hosted Macron and Brigitte in a ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta before the two leaders led a bilateral meeting. Indonesia has embarked on a drive to upgrade and modernize its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defense industry. Subianto has crisscrossed the globe since he was appointed as defense minister in 2019, traveling to China, France, Russia, Turkey and the United States in a bid to acquire new military weapon systems as well as surveillance and territorial defense capabilities. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and Britain. Some of those aircraft have reached or will soon reach their end-of-life phase and need to be replaced or upgraded. During the visit, Macron is also scheduled to meet with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to discuss regional issues, and to give public lectures at Jakarta State University. On Thursday, Macron and his wife are expected visit Borobudur, a 9th century Buddhist temple in the center of Indonesia's Java island and to visit a military academy before heading to Singapore, where he will speak at Asia's top defense conference, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
San Francisco Chronicle
28-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Indonesian and French leaders meet for defense and trade talks
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday in a visit aimed at boosting defense and trade cooperation as part of his roughly week-long trip to Southeast Asia focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape. Macron arrived in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on Tuesday evening with French First Lady Brigitte Macron for a three-day visit to Southeast Asia's largest economy. It was the second stop in his tour of the region after Vietnam, where Macron signed a deal to sell Hanoi 20 Airbus planes. 'We are very excited to meet again with my brother, President Prabowo,' Macron told reporters shortly after arriving at Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusuma air force base late Tuesday, 'He is a great friend of mine and the relationship with your country is a very strategic and friendly one." Military cooperation between Indonesia and France has grown in recent years, while Subianto was serving as Indonesia's defense minister. The two leaders met last November on the sidelines of the 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil, where they discussed Indonesia's plans to buy fighter jets and submarines from France. Indonesia finalized an order for 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets in January 2024, and the first delivery is expected in early 2026. The country also announced the purchase of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control interception radars. Five of the radar systems are expected to be installed in the country's new capital, Nusantara. Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the two leaders will oversee the signing of letter of intent for the procurement of strategic weapons systems including fighter planes and submarines. 'The essence of this (visit) is to strengthen defense cooperation between Indonesia and France,' Sjamsoeddin told reporters after welcoming Macron and his wife at the air force base on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Subianto hosted Macron and Brigitte in a ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta before the two leaders led a bilateral meeting. Indonesia has embarked on a drive to upgrade and modernize its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defense industry. Subianto has crisscrossed the globe since he was appointed as defense minister in 2019, traveling to China, France, Russia, Turkey and the United States in a bid to acquire new military weapon systems as well as surveillance and territorial defense capabilities. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and Britain. Some of those aircraft have reached or will soon reach their end-of-life phase and need to be replaced or upgraded. During the visit, Macron is also scheduled to meet with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to discuss regional issues, and to give public lectures at Jakarta State University. On Thursday, Macron and his wife are expected visit Borobudur, a 9th century Buddhist temple in the center of Indonesia's Java island and to visit a military academy before heading to Singapore, where he will speak at Asia's top defense conference, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue.
