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Macron Visits Jakarta to Cement French Defense and Nickel Partnerships

The discussions set delivery timelines for Rafale jets in 2026, with emphasis on securing nickel mining permits

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, center, shakes hands with French first lady Brigitte Macron as French President Emmanuel Macron waves before their meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
French President Emmanuel Macron, center right, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, center left, inspect honor guards before their meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
French President Emmanuel Macron, left, greets with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto before their meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
French President Emmanuel Macron gestures upon his arrival at military airbase Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 27, 2025. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana

Overview

  • The leaders reviewed follow-up orders under the 2022 pact for 42 Rafale fighters and the 2024 agreement for two Scorpene-class submarines
  • Indonesia’s Air Force chief says six Rafale jets will arrive in early 2026 as part of the first delivery batch
  • French mining group Eramet’s new CEO joined Macron’s delegation to pursue nickel permits at the Weda Bay project for battery supply chains
  • Indonesia’s position as the world’s top nickel producer makes it a key partner for France’s energy transition and industrial investments
  • Human Rights Watch and other groups have urged Macron to confront Prabowo on past rights abuses and recent media and civil society crackdowns