Prabowo, Macron Applaud Indonesian Contingent at Bastille Day Parade

Indonesia Makes a Striking Debut on Champs-Élysées

President Prabowo Subianto stood proudly as the Indonesian contingent marched during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, receiving a warm ovation from French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.

A Display of Precision and Professionalism

Captured on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel, the moment highlighted the Indonesian contingent’s impressive performance. President Prabowo offered a salute, while President Macron and Brigitte Macron were observed clapping, seemingly impressed by the contingent’s disciplined presentation.

French President Emmanuel Macron applauds the Indonesian contingent during the Bastille Day parade, with President Prabowo Subianto also present. (Photo: Youtube Setpres)

The parade route along the famed Avenue des Champs-Élysées saw the Indonesian contingent lead the procession, setting a powerful tone for the day’s events. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Inf Bistok Simarmata, the soldiers showcased immaculate formations and synchronized movements.

The precise marching of the contingent was harmoniously blended with the resonant sounds of the Lokananta drum band from the TNI Academy Cadets. The powerful beat of the bass and tenor drums echoed through the avenue, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and national pride.

Indonesian Military Might on Full Display

The Indonesian contingent proudly carried their motto, ‘Forward Undeeza’. Beyond the drum band, the armed forces personnel in their camouflage uniforms, carrying their weapons, presented a formidable sight. Their unified rhythm demonstrated unwavering professionalism.

A total of 451 soldiers from the three branches of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) participated in the Bastille Day celebration. They had arrived in France earlier, departing on July 6, 2025, for the significant event.

A Growing International Presence

This Parisian parade marked the second international military event for the Indonesian contingent. Previously, they had also participated in the Republic Day Parade in India in January 2025, showcasing Indonesia’s increasing engagement in global military displays.

Indonesia’s participation highlights its growing role in international diplomacy and defense. As of 2023, 96 countries participated in various international military exercises, demonstrating a trend towards greater global cooperation and shared security objectives (RAND Corporation).

Prabowo Arrives in Paris for Bastille Day Commemoration, greeted by Excited Diaspora

Paris, France – Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo subianto has arrived in Paris, France, to attend the French National Day, Bastille Day, as an honorary guest. His presence in the French capital marks a meaningful diplomatic engagement, with his visit scheduled for today. Prabowo was accompanied on his flight from Brussels by Minister of Investment and Downstream/Head of BKPM Rosan Roeslani and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Upon his arrival at his hotel, Prabowo was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception from the Indonesian diaspora residing in Paris.Young members of the diaspora, dressed in conventional attire from various Indonesian regions, presented Prabowo with bouquets of flowers, symbolizing the honor and pride they felt at his presence.Prabowo reciprocated the warm welcome by waving and greeting the gathered residents, holding small red and white Indonesian flags.

Nini Martini, an Indonesian who has lived in Paris for nearly five decades, expressed her deep emotion at Prabowo’s visit. She highlighted the significance of his invitation to Bastille Day, noting it as a rare and prestigious honor bestowed by the French state. “We are grateful that you can get the greatest invitation.For me the moast (great), from the French state. In Bastille Day, tomorrow. That’s rarely,” Martini was quoted as saying by the Presidential Secretariat Bureau.

Jefri Simanjuntak, another member of the diaspora who has resided in France for ten years, shared his pride in being able to shake hands directly with Prabowo.He was notably moved when Prabowo greeted him with the Batak greeting “Horas.” “I am very proud because the first thing Pak Prabowo did promptly answered me with the word Horas. So I am a Batak person, I am very proud and appreciated,” Simanjuntak stated.

simanjuntak also expressed his hope that Prabowo’s visit to france would foster stronger bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and France. He believes that France holds significant potential as a partner in Indonesia’s development. The welcoming atmosphere, characterized by warmth and familiarity, was seen as a testament to the unity and patriotism of Indonesian citizens living abroad, particularly in France.

bastille day paris

Prabowo respectfully to the Indonesian contingent in Bastille Day, French president applause

Prabowo, Macron Applaud Indonesian Contingent at Bastille Day Parade

Indonesia Makes a Striking Debut on Champs-Élysées

A Display of Precision and Professionalism

Indonesian Military Might on Full Display

A Growing International Presence

Prabowo Attends Bastille Day in Paris – Indonesia President Visit