Description: French President Emmanuel Macron continued his South Asia tour by visiting Indonesia where he met with his counterpart Prabowo Subianto. The presidents discussed the strengthening of bilateral ties, defense cooperation as well cooperation within the energy sectors. After the meeting, Indonesia placed an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets as well as Scorpene submarines and several light frigates as the country aimed at strengthening its defensive capabilities. Prabowo and Macron also discussed ongoing global issues such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza with Subianto reiterating support for a two – state solution in Gaza and stating that his country was willing to establish diplomatic relations once Israel agrees towards peace. Memorandums of understanding were also signed which undertook cooperation within the rare earth minerals and mining sectors that amounted to $11 billion. The memorandums would include a joint strategic investment platform in the nickel sector between French mining company Eramet and Indonesia’s wealth fund Danantara as well as the Indonesian Investment Authority.
Impact: Macron’s South Asia tour aims at expanding Europe’s strategic investment and influence portfolio by acquiring valuable bilateral partnerships in a significant geosphere of influence. In fluctuating global conditions Macron aims at raising political capital for the domestic scene as well as establishing himself as Europe’s strategic pioneer. Indonesia is one of Asia’s projected economies to enter the global five in the upcoming years with the largest global reserves of nickel, crucial for several developing industries. The country has a varied strategic portfolio ranging from China to Thailand and Australia, with Europe joining the fray. The partnership emphasized by the visit of the French President would mostly benefit Indonesia, while France is aiming at establishing itself as a reliable overseas partner with Europe significantly diversifying its strategic portfolio on a global scale.