Indonesia and France Strengthen Economic Ties Amid US Tariff Policy

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation in light of the new tariff measures imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. The two leaders emphasized the importance of their partnership during a phone conversation on the evening of Friday, April 4, 2025. This discussion came two days after Trump unveiled his plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on several nations, a move that has sparked global concerns.

According to Antara News Agency, in a social media post on Saturday, President Prabowo underscored the significance of the strategic cooperation between Indonesia and France. He noted that their strong relationship not only serves their national interests but also contributes to regional and global stability and prosperity. "In my discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron, we agreed to continue promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development for the welfare of our people," Prabowo stated.

The Indonesian leader expressed his gratitude for France's commitment to further solidifying the robust and visionary bilateral partnership. "Let's enhance our synergy and build a future for mutual progress," he added, highlighting the importance of their ongoing collaboration.

President Macron, through his official social media account, also shared insights into their conversation, emphasizing the shared vision for deepening ties.

"We have decided to strengthen the relationship between our countries with ambitious and forward-looking projects," Macron wrote. He further announced that these initiatives would be formally introduced during his state visit to Indonesia, scheduled for the end of May.

Macron’s post also revealed that both leaders had agreed to expand their cooperation across several key sectors, including defense, economy, science, culture, and education. This expanded collaboration aligns with their shared goal of fostering a comprehensive and mutually beneficial relationship.

In addition to economic and cultural cooperation, Prabowo and Macron also addressed international issues, reaffirming their joint commitment to promoting peace in the Middle East and resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Their conversation reflects a broader effort to contribute to global peace and stability, underlining the strategic importance of the Indonesia-France partnership.

This strengthening of ties comes at a critical moment in global trade, as nations seek to navigate shifting dynamics caused by trade policies and geopolitical challenges. Both leaders are hopeful that their growing partnership will serve as a model of international collaboration in an increasingly complex world.