Latest news with #Subianto
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Macron meets with Indonesian counterpart to discuss defence and trade
France's President Emmanuel Macron has met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto as he continues his week-long trip to Southeast Asia focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape. Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in 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 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. 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 finalised an order for 42 French Dassault Rafele 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 Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters after welcoming Macron that the visit is aimed at strengthening "defence 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 modernisation of defence equipment, including in the development of the defence 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 modernise its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defence industry. Subianto crisscrossed the globe after becoming defence 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 defence capabilities. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and the UK. 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 centre of Java and a military academy before heading to Singapore, where the French leader will speak at Asia's top defence conference, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. One of the EU's most secure borders is being built in the northeast of the European continent! Because Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland border Russia. I am travelling in Latvia, on the external border of the European Union. Latvia's big neighbour Russia spreads fear: Since the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, many people in the Baltic states have feared that Moscow could also plan an attack here. Together, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have therefore begun the construction of the "Baltic Defence Line". The Latvian part of the border fortifications alone will cost 303 million euros. Dozens of concrete pyramids, known as "dragon teeth", stand in front of a dilapidated stable building. Tank barriers! Latvia is thus protecting its part of the EU's external border. It is expected to be "armour-proof" by 2028. Next stop on my reporting trip is the Latvian NATO base Ādaži. Here, 3,000 NATO soldiers from 14 countries are practising for emergencies. The Polish Minister of Defence has just announced an increase in the number of troops. While defence spending in Poland and the Baltic states amounted to around two percent of economic output in 2020, it will soon reach five percent. Back in the capital Riga: Together with Afghanistan veteran Andris, Roberts and Monika teach basic military skills – in schools! There are now 112 compulsory hours of military training at all secondary schools. Riga's School of Tourism was one of the first to implement the concept. Agnija and Agnese find the military history including weapons training good: "We have learned our way around the terrain and to make ourselves unrecognisable in the forest with camouflage paint," Agnija lists, "we can also distinguish between different rifle types'. "During off-road exercises, we learned military language, 'enemy at four o'clock' and so on, including the NATO alphabet," adds school friend Agnese. 'And we learned all about our patriots who did great things in the War of Independence.' Agnese and Agnija are studying tourism and have already been to Spain and the Netherlands. Something like shooting training at school – even if only with compressed air cartridges – currently exists across the EU only in Latvia and Poland. Lithuania is also considering introducing military studies in schools. 'Our population is small,' Agnija says, 'about 1.8 million people. Every citizen should have basic military knowledge.' Agnese agrees: "We also learn this in practice. If something happens, we're ready.' Agnija takes the floor again: " I am not afraid, because we are in the European Parliament and in NATO. We are protected – and we protect ourselves." Then she takes aim, takes a quick shot – and hits the bull's eye! Afghanistan veteran Andris is pleased. I have an interview appointment with Defence Minister Andris Sprūds. "There are already several thousand allied soldiers on Latvian soil," Sprūds emphasises. The foreign troop presence will be expanded. Euronews: "Is the NATO deterrent still credible in light of developments in the US?" Sprūds: 'NATO is credible. Washington is sending clear signals that Europeans need to increase their military spending. These are the right signals. We should show unity, strength and willingness to invest. We in Latvia are already spending over three percent of our GDP on the military and are moving towards five percent." Euronews: 'According to analyses by Baltic intelligence services, there is a risk that Russia could attack EU territory. Your assessment?" Sprūds: 'Russia is an aggressive country. Expansionist imperialism is firmly rooted in its DNA. We've seen it in the past and it will probably continue to be the case in the future. The best deterrent is to do our homework.' Euronews: 'Should the EU establish a joint army?' Sprūds: "The national armed forces coordinate their activities so that they can act together. NATO is strong and vibrant. NATO must be preserved as such. NATO must become more lethal, as the new US Secretary of Defence put it. Because strength is something that Russia understands. We need to do more in the areas of arms industry, air defence, drone technology and artificial intelligence." Euronews: 'What is your key message to the EU?' Sprūds: "The EU's ambitious rearmament project is important. This also involved a joint loan and grant system. We need to invest at national and European level. EU and NATO territory are protected, every square centimetre. That's why protecting our external border is a top priority."
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Latvia: Shooting training at schools and dragon teeth at the border
France's President Emmanuel Macron has met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto as he continues his week-long trip to Southeast Asia focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape. Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in 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 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. 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 finalised an order for 42 French Dassault Rafele 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 Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters after welcoming Macron that the visit is aimed at strengthening "defence 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 modernisation of defence equipment, including in the development of the defence 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 modernise its arsenal and strengthen its domestic defence industry. Subianto crisscrossed the globe after becoming defence 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 defence capabilities. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of fighter jets made in various countries, including the United States, Russia and the UK. 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 centre of Java and a military academy before heading to Singapore, where the French leader will speak at Asia's top defence conference, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. One of the EU's most secure borders is being built in the northeast of the European continent! Because Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland border Russia. I am travelling in Latvia, on the external border of the European Union. Latvia's big neighbour Russia spreads fear: Since the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, many people in the Baltic states have feared that Moscow could also plan an attack here. Together, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have therefore begun the construction of the "Baltic Defence Line". The Latvian part of the border fortifications alone will cost 303 million euros. Dozens of concrete pyramids, known as "dragon teeth", stand in front of a dilapidated stable building. Tank barriers! Latvia is thus protecting its part of the EU's external border. It is expected to be "armour-proof" by 2028. Next stop on my reporting trip is the Latvian NATO base Ādaži. Here, 3,000 NATO soldiers from 14 countries are practising for emergencies. The Polish Minister of Defence has just announced an increase in the number of troops. While defence spending in Poland and the Baltic states amounted to around two percent of economic output in 2020, it will soon reach five percent. Back in the capital Riga: Together with Afghanistan veteran Andris, Roberts and Monika teach basic military skills – in schools! There are now 112 compulsory hours of military training at all secondary schools. Riga's School of Tourism was one of the first to implement the concept. Agnija and Agnese find the military history including weapons training good: "We have learned our way around the terrain and to make ourselves unrecognisable in the forest with camouflage paint," Agnija lists, "we can also distinguish between different rifle types'. "During off-road exercises, we learned military language, 'enemy at four o'clock' and so on, including the NATO alphabet," adds school friend Agnese. 'And we learned all about our patriots who did great things in the War of Independence.' Agnese and Agnija are studying tourism and have already been to Spain and the Netherlands. Something like shooting training at school – even if only with compressed air cartridges – currently exists across the EU only in Latvia and Poland. Lithuania is also considering introducing military studies in schools. 'Our population is small,' Agnija says, 'about 1.8 million people. Every citizen should have basic military knowledge.' Agnese agrees: "We also learn this in practice. If something happens, we're ready.' Agnija takes the floor again: " I am not afraid, because we are in the European Parliament and in NATO. We are protected – and we protect ourselves." Then she takes aim, takes a quick shot – and hits the bull's eye! Afghanistan veteran Andris is pleased. I have an interview appointment with Defence Minister Andris Sprūds. "There are already several thousand allied soldiers on Latvian soil," Sprūds emphasises. The foreign troop presence will be expanded. Euronews: "Is the NATO deterrent still credible in light of developments in the US?" Sprūds: 'NATO is credible. Washington is sending clear signals that Europeans need to increase their military spending. These are the right signals. We should show unity, strength and willingness to invest. We in Latvia are already spending over three percent of our GDP on the military and are moving towards five percent." Euronews: 'According to analyses by Baltic intelligence services, there is a risk that Russia could attack EU territory. Your assessment?" Sprūds: 'Russia is an aggressive country. Expansionist imperialism is firmly rooted in its DNA. We've seen it in the past and it will probably continue to be the case in the future. The best deterrent is to do our homework.' Euronews: 'Should the EU establish a joint army?' Sprūds: "The national armed forces coordinate their activities so that they can act together. NATO is strong and vibrant. NATO must be preserved as such. NATO must become more lethal, as the new US Secretary of Defence put it. Because strength is something that Russia understands. We need to do more in the areas of arms industry, air defence, drone technology and artificial intelligence." Euronews: 'What is your key message to the EU?' Sprūds: "The EU's ambitious rearmament project is important. This also involved a joint loan and grant system. We need to invest at national and European level. EU and NATO territory are protected, every square centimetre. That's why protecting our external border is a top priority." It's been a rough takeoff to 2025 for many European air passengers. The first five months of the year were marred by tens of thousands of delays and cancellations. A new analysis of Europe's 20 busiest airlines ranked their performance, revealing which ones had the most turbulent starts. Dutch carrier KLM scrapped the most flights between January and May (2,760), followed by British Airways (1,763) and Germany's Lufthansa (1,757), says the report by flight compensation company FlightRight. Raw numbers aside, the highest rate of flights scrapped was on Finnair: 3.35% out of a total of over 43,000 trips. KLM is second (2.04%), trailed by British Airways (1.58%), Ireland's Aer Lingus and Swiss International (1.29%). Some of the most common reasons for flight cancellations include severe weather, operational issues, like crew shortages or mechanical problems, as well as strikes and runway closures. The relatively new Italian carrier ITA proved to be one of the most reliable companies, with just a single cancellation in 2025. Turkish Airlines also excelled, with only three flights called off, followed by LOT Polish Airlines (7) and Spain's flag carrier, Iberia (12). Tap Portugal has had the worst record in 2025: a staggering 37% of its flights in the first five months landed at least fifteen minutes late. Ryanair had the highest number of delayed flights overall: 77,000, followed by EasyJet at over 26,600. But they operated many more flights than major airlines, so their likelihood of landing late is actually lower. Cancellations in 2025 significantly decreased compared to last year, according to FlightRight data shared with Euronews. The first five months of 2025 saw 32% fewer service suspensions, bringing the total down to 0.61% of flights affected. Last year was particularly turbulent strike-wise, marked by industrial action at Lufthansa and multiple air traffic controller strikes in France. So, is it all good news? Not really. Delays actually increased by 54% in 2025. In general, 16% of all flights from the top 20 European airlines were affected. Severe weather is largely to blame. January saw major storms, like Éowyn, bringing strong winds and disrupting air traffic, especially in Ireland and the UK, along with heavy snowfall in Germany. On top of that, a massive power outage hit Spain, Portugal and southwest France in April, leading to several airport closures. Finally, air traffic volume in Europe grew by approximately 3.7% in early 2025 compared to 2024, according to EuroControl. "This surge in flights placed additional pressure on air traffic control systems and airport infrastructures, leading to more congestion and delays," FlightRight commented. Air passengers in the EU are entitled to compensation if there is a delay of at least three hours. The compensation is based on the flight distance rather than the ticket price: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights of over 1,500 km within the EU (or 1,500–3,500 km internationally), and €600 for flights of over 3,500 km. However, exceptions include extraordinary circumstances like air traffic control strikes or weather-related disruptions. No compensation is due in these cases. Having said that, airlines are still required to help out passengers with alternative solutions like rerouting or hotel accommodations. FlightRight, as well as BEUC - the European Consumer Organisation - have criticised recent plans by the Polish presidency of the EU Council to change air passenger rights. FlightRight says the current proposal would be to increase the delay threshold from three to five hours for flights ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 km, and to nine hours for flights over 3,500 km. The related compensation would be lowered to €300 and €500, instead of the current €250, €400 and €600. Also, the list of "extraordinary circumstances" might be expanded, including internal strikes and the death of crew members, exempting airlines from any compensation in "avoidable cases," FlightRight told Euronews. The company has warned that if the proposal were to pass, "between 75% and 85% of current compensation claims will be rejected." EU sources told Euronews that - after ten years of negotiations, the Council is expected to approve the proposal on 5 June. If that happens, the European Parliament will update its position on 24 June.
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.
