Leading diplomats from France and Indonesia formalized a new project focused on maritime security, aimed at “ensuring peace and safety” at sea within the Indo-Pacific region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's trip to Jakarta is his second stop during a four-day tour of Asia, following his visit to Singapore, and takes place amid ongoing trade disputes between the European Union and China.
Earlier this month, during a discussion about the project at the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence, Indonesia’s naval chief of staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, remarked that it would tackle various maritime security issues, including piracy, terrorism, and unlawful activities at sea, and will likely involve collaboration among Indo-Pacific nations.
Sugiono, a single-name Indonesian, emphasized that “maritime collaboration is vital for achieving a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Barrot indicated that the initiative would assist Indonesia, the largest archipelago nation with over 17,000 islands, focusing on the sustainability and security of two Indonesian ports located in Jakarta and Surabaya.
The two diplomats, who signed the agreement for the project at the ASEAN headquarters in the Indonesian capital, also talked about enhancing their strategic partnerships and cooperation across diverse sectors.
Military collaboration between France and Indonesia has strengthened in recent years.
In July, French air force planes made a stop in Jakarta as part of a tour of Southeast Asia, which showcased France's commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Last year, Indonesia secured the purchase of 42 Rafale and Dassault Aviation fighter jets, with the first Rafale jets expected to arrive under the contract in 2026. The country also announced plans to acquire two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales Ground Control Interception radars, five of which are anticipated to be installed in the future capital, Nusantara, located on Borneo Island.
Barrot's visit is also anticipated to pave the way for a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron, who is scheduled to visit the Southeast Asian nation in May.
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The French diplomat is set to continue his journey to Beijing and the economic hub of Shanghai on Thursday and Friday.