President Prabowo, French President Emmanuel Macron, and First Lady Brigitte Macron attend a state banquet held at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (05/28). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto hosted a state banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (05/28).
The banquet, rich in cultural symbols and festivity, reflected the closer ties between Indonesia and France.
President Prabowo personally welcomed President Macron and the First Lady at the palace’s front veranda. They then headed to the State Banquet Hall, greeted along the way by an honor guard, a festive Kipas Ajer traditional dance performance, and a lineup of children in traditional costumes.
As the delegation entered the palace hallway, they were welcomed with another performance of Gaba Gaba traditional dance, further enlivening the celebratory atmosphere of the evening.
In the banquet hall, President Prabowo opened the event with a warm address. President Macron responded with a heartfelt speech, highlighting the potential of the Indonesia–France partnership.
“France and Indonesia have come a long way together and the ties continue to strengthen. Today, our ties have spanned nearly every sector,” President Prabowo said.
Before the dinner, guests were treated to a cinematic video highlighting key moments from President Prabowo and President Macron’s previous meetings, including their meeting at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last November.
The banquet featured a curated selection of Indonesian delicacies, such as Jimbaran seafood, Soto Banjar, Maranggi beef, coffee, and chocolate.
The evening was complemented by cultural performances celebrating the two cultures. The performance began with Tari Piring traditional dance, followed by a Paris-themed musical set by Alfred and Aimee Saras, performing classics such as C’est Si Bon, Les Feuilles Mortes, and Wonderful World. Then, the traditional Kecak dance performance earned enthusiastic applause from the guests.
The evening concluded with a grand performance by Indonesian-born international artist Anggun C. Sasmi, accompanied by the Purwacaraka Orchestra. The setlist featured songs such as Je Ne Regrette Rien and Mimpi, as well as O Ulate and Poco-Poco traditional songs.
The state banquet ended in a warm atmosphere. The evening, being more than a diplomatic gesture, celebrated Indonesia’s vibrant culture in welcoming international friendship. President Macron’s state visit to Indonesia was further elevated by a night filled with warmth, festivity, and meaningful exchange. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (FI/MUR)
