This Monday, July 14, on the occasion of France's national holiday, Indonesia was honored during the traditional parade on the Champs-Élysées. For the first time, Indonesian troops opened the ceremony, marking a symbolic moment in the history of Franco-Indonesian relations.
The event has a special significance: it celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia. A friendship that has been forged over the decades around shared values such as commitment to international law, multilateral engagement, and the promotion of peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the gaze of President Emmanuel Macron and his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, 260 Indonesian soldiers, accompanied by 189 musicians from the "Gabungan" drum band, opened the parade. Dressed in colorful uniforms and wearing helmets decorated with emblematic animal figures—tigers, eagles, and sharks—the musicians set a festive and spectacular tone for the opening of the parade.
This invitation reflects a shared desire to strengthen cultural, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations. By honoring Indonesia, France recognizes its growing role on the world stage and reaffirms its commitment to cooperating with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
"This is a recognition of our growing presence on the international scene," said an Indonesian representative, welcoming a partnership based on dialogue, mutual respect and cultural exchanges.
This celebration is also an opportunity to recall the growing importance of bilateral cooperation in many areas: education, climate, innovation, economic and cultural exchanges. Indonesia's presence in Paris on July 14 illustrates the vitality of a relationship based on trust and the shared ambition for a more stable and harmonious future.
