Indonesia, France step up cooperation in economy, defence
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed economic and defence cooperation during a bilateral meeting on November 19 with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Antara reported.
President Prabowo Subianto (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: Antara)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed economic and defence cooperation during a bilateral meeting on November 19 with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Antara reported.
President Macron commended Indonesia's plan to enhance its defence cooperation with France through the provision of Rafale jet fighters and joint development of submarines.
Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL and French Naval Group have set up a joint venture to build the Scorpene Evolved submarine equipped with advanced propulsion and weaponry technology. The collaboration allows Indonesia to receive knowledge transfer from France and strengthens the maritime industry's self-sufficiency, according to the Indonesian news agency.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Defence Ministry has also completed the three contracts necessary to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets produced by France’s Dassault Aviation. The first Rafale fighter jets are expected to arrive in Indonesia by early 2026.
Touching on bilateral economic cooperation, Macron suggested 𓆏both sides continue organising the France-Indonesia Business Forum, with the latest event held in September✨ with the participation of the public and private sectors of the two countries./.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has sought Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support in enhancing Indonesia’s healthcare system by training more doctors.
Indonesia and Brazil sealed cooperation agreements worth 2.65 billion USD in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and technology at the Indonesia – Brazil Business Forum held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
The Indonesian Ministry of Environment’s Environmental Control Agency on November 18 launched an ASEAN document entitled “Assessment of Community-based Climate Action (CBCA) in ASEAN” on the sidelines of the 29th Climate change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
