JAKARTA, Indonesia — The defense ministers of France and Indonesia have announced plans to enhance their collaboration to ensure stability in the region, according to officials from Indonesia.
During a meeting, visiting French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his Indonesian colleague, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, discussed potential partnership avenues involving technology sharing and other cooperative measures, as noted by Brig. Gen. Frega Wenas, spokesperson for Indonesia’s Defense Ministry.
Earlier in the week, the French Embassy in Jakarta highlighted the historic deployment of a French carrier strike group to Indonesia, marking the first occasion of such an event. The Charles De Gaulle, which is France’s premier nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, visited Bali and Lombok to conduct logistical operations during its six-month mission in the Pacific, initiated in November 2024.
The Charles De Gaulle also took part in joint maneuvers alongside warships from eight different nations within the Straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok, as reported by the embassy.
In July, aircraft from the French Air Force made a stop in Indonesia’s capital, emphasizing France’s dedication to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of increasing Chinese maritime actions.
Military ties between Indonesia and France have strengthened over recent years, particularly during the tenure of President Prabowo Subianto as Indonesia’s defense minister. Notably, the previous year saw Indonesia undertake significant acquisitions, including 42 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. The first of these jets are expected to arrive in 2026. Furthermore, Indonesia confirmed the purchase of two advanced Scorpene submarines and 13 Thales Ground Control Interception radars, with five radar systems planned for installation in the new capital of Nusantara.
These military enhancements occur against a backdrop of rising tensions in the region, especially regarding the contentious South China Sea, where China’s assertive territorial claims have become increasingly pronounced. Although Indonesia does not lay claim to any territories, it has encountered conflicts with China regarding fishing rights in areas near the Natuna Islands, which fall within its exclusive economic zone yet are also claimed by China.
The South China Sea is vital for global trade due to its key shipping routes and is rich in aquatic resources and undersea minerals. Meanwhile, efforts by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to establish a code of conduct aimed at preventing disputes have not made significant progress.
