Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, has addressed recent criticisms regarding President Prabowo Subianto’s frequent trips to France, specifically his most recent visit from May 28-31. Qodari emphasized that the value of the President’s international travel should be measured by the tangible benefits and strategic outcomes secured for Indonesia rather than the frequency of the trips alone.
Speaking in Jakarta on Sunday (May 31), Qodari stated that the government remains focused on the national interest. “Ultimately, the principle of utility—what we bring back to the country—must be carefully considered and accounted for,” he explained.
The defense follows mounting criticism regarding President Prabowo’s travel schedule, particularly his third visit to France in 2026. Former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal recently took to Instagram to suggest that the President could be more selective with his state visits, sparking public debate over whether the travel constitutes an efficient use of the state budget.
Addressing Budgetary Concerns
In response to allegations of fiscal waste, Qodari reiterated the administration’s stance that the results of these diplomatic engagements provide significant and long-term value to the nation. “We are confident that the outcomes derived from these visits to France are truly substantial and significant for Indonesia,” Qodari affirmed.
Since taking office, President Prabowo has visited France on four separate occasions, each aimed at deepening ties with the European nation:
- July 14, 2025: Attended the Bastille Day Military Parade in Paris.
- January 23, 2026: Held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen bilateral relations.
- April 14, 2026: Conducted a private meeting with President Macron to bolster strategic cooperation in energy, education, digital communications, and long-term investment.
- May 28, 2026: Secured four commercial agreements valued at US$ 3.5 billion, or approximately IDR 61.25 trillion, to further cement the partnership between the two countries.
Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roeslani, confirmed that these major agreements were finalized during the launch of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council on May 28, 2026, an event witnessed by both President Prabowo and President Macron.
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Summary
Muhammad Qodari, head of the Government Communication Agency, has defended President Prabowo Subianto’s recent series of visits to France against criticisms regarding their frequency and cost. He argued that the trips should be evaluated based on their strategic outcomes and the tangible benefits brought back to Indonesia rather than just the number of visits. The government maintains that these diplomatic efforts are essential for advancing national interests and long-term development.
The administration highlighted that these engagements have produced significant results, most notably securing four commercial agreements worth US$ 3.5 billion during the May 2026 visit. These deals, finalized alongside the launch of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council, focus on deepening cooperation in key sectors such as energy, education, and digital communications. Officials remain confident that the substantial economic value derived from these international ties justifies the state’s investment in the diplomatic outreach.
