• Macron and Prabowo signed a preliminary defense pact aimed at enhancing military partnerships.
• The pact may lead to new orders for Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines from France.
• Both leaders addressed the need for cooperation in various sectors including defense, mining, and nutrition.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, solidifying a commitment to enhance defense ties, which are crucial for Indonesia, the largest recipient of French arms in Southeast Asia. Macron's visit follows a successful trip to Vietnam, where over $10 billion in deals were signed. The discussions are set to focus on "existing strategic partnerships," particularly in military procurement and technology transfer, according to reports from Reuters and The Jakarta Post.

The two nations signed a letter of intent which could potentially lead to new orders for 42 Rafale fighter jets and an additional acquisition of Scorpene submarines, expanding upon the $8.1 billion defense deal struck in 2022. "I am delighted that the letter of intent signed today could open up a new perspective with new orders for Rafales, Scorpenes," Macron announced at a joint press conference with Prabowo, as reported by Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

Additionally, the discussions included cooperation in the mining sector, specifically through agreements with French mining firm Eramet to bolster Indonesia's nickel industry, critical for electric vehicle batteries. This aligns with Indonesia's goals as the world's leading nickel producer. The collaboration aims for a strategic investment platform that would cover both upstream and downstream operations, as emphasized by South China Morning Post and Dawn.

Moreover, Macron and Prabowo addressed wider geopolitical issues, including Indonesia's potential recognition of Israel contingent upon the acknowledgment of a Palestinian state, reflecting Indonesia's pivotal role in regional diplomacy. Macron supported this stance, reflecting France's commitment to a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, in line with his broader foreign policy objectives, according to The Jakarta Post and The Jakarta Post.

With Indonesia's growing defense budget and strategic location, the two countries aim to bolster mutual defense capabilities through continued military cooperation and joint training, thus underscoring the expanding diplomatic and military ties highlighted during this visit, suggestions from defense experts noted by Reuters and The Jakarta Post.