President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, confers Grand Croix de la Légion d’Honneur upon President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, at the Pancasila Field, Military Academy, Magelang, Thursday (06/29) afternoon (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
In a momentous ceremony at Pancasila Field, Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, Central Java, French President Emmanuel Macron officially conferred France’s highest distinction, the Grand Croix de la Légion d’Honneur, upon President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, on Thursday (05/29) afternoon.
The prestigious order of merit was presented following a joint ceremonial inspection of the guard of honor by the two heads of state. President Macron personally bestowed the medal upon President Prabowo, witnessed by senior government officials, military top brass, and cadets of the academy.
President Prabowo expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for the honor.
“This is an extraordinary honor for me and for my country. On behalf of the Indonesian nation, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the President of the French Republic,” he stated during a luncheon with cadets at the Husein Dining Hall at Akmil Magelang.
For the record, the Grand Croix de la Légion d’Honneur is France’s highest decoration, awarded in recognition of exceptional service to the nation. It is conferred only upon individuals—both civilian and military—whose achievements are considered of the utmost significance.
Notable recipients of the honor include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States.
The conferment of the Grand Croix upon President Prabowo symbolizes the profound and enduring friendship between Indonesia and France. It also serves as a global recognition of Indonesia’s growing role on the international stage. In the context of the state visit, the honor underscores President Prabowo’s contributions to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations—particularly in defense cooperation, peaceful diplomacy, and human capital enhancement. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (AY/MUR)
