Overview
- Macron met Prabowo in Jakarta to sign a letter of intent covering 42 Rafale fighter jets and two Scorpene evolved submarines
- Indonesia has also agreed to acquire 13 Thales ground control interception radars to enhance its surveillance capabilities
- Discussions with mining group Eramet opened talks on Weda Bay nickel permits and battery supply-chain investments
- Macron plans to press Prabowo on alleged human rights violations linked to past military actions in East Timor
- The visit advances Macron’s strategy to position France as a counterweight to US–China influence in Southeast Asia