President Prabowo Subianto arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, on the afternoon of Thursday, May 28, 2026, marking a significant moment in his state visit. The welcoming ceremony was broadcast live via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel, offering the public a clear view of the diplomatic event.
Upon his arrival, President Prabowo was seen stepping out of a white Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. He was formally greeted at the palace entrance by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Dressed in a sharp gray suit paired with a dark blue tie and his signature black songkok, the President sported sunglasses as he began the proceedings.
Following the initial greeting, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Lecornu walked together toward the honor guard. The atmosphere turned solemn as the national anthems of both nations, Indonesia Raya and La Marseillaise, were played. During the performance, President Prabowo stood in a respectful salute.
After the ceremony, both leaders moved to greet their respective delegations. President Prabowo introduced the members of his Merah Putih Cabinet who accompanied him on this visit, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, CEO of the Danantara Investment Management Agency Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya, and the Indonesian Ambassador to France, Mohamad Oemar. The President’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo Djojohadikusumo, also known as Didit, was also present at the event.
President Prabowo had arrived in Paris earlier on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, landing at Orly Airport at approximately 09:50 local time. This diplomatic trip coincided with the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah. A day after his arrival, the Chairman of the Gerindra Party performed Eid al-Adha prayers at Wisma Indonesia, the residence of the Indonesian Embassy in Paris.
Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the visit was intended to fulfill an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Sugiono, the visit had been rescheduled from an earlier date due to previous scheduling conflicts.
This is an invitation from President Macron that was originally delayed, Sugiono stated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in a video statement. He noted that while an April visit had been proposed, the timing was not suitable for both parties at that time. Subsequently, President Macron extended another invitation, proposing the new dates that were eventually finalized.
Sugiono emphasized that the decision to proceed with the visit was made out of respect for the repeated invitations, viewing the trip as a reciprocal gesture following President Macron’s previous visit to Indonesia. Because the invitation was extended twice, the President decided to fulfill it and make his presence in Paris, Sugiono added.
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Summary
President Prabowo Subianto officially arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris on May 28, 2026, for a high-level state visit. He was formally welcomed by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, followed by a solemn ceremony featuring the national anthems of Indonesia and France. The President was accompanied by several key members of his Merah Putih Cabinet and his son, Didit, marking a significant diplomatic event.
This state visit was conducted in response to a repeated invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen bilateral ties. Although previously delayed due to scheduling conflicts, the trip was prioritized as a reciprocal gesture following President Macron’s earlier visit to Indonesia. The visit occurred alongside the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah, during which the President also attended local community observances at Wisma Indonesia.