A screenshot of the bilateral meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit at the Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday (November 19, 2024). (ANTARA/HO-Presidential Media Team/rst)

VOInews, Rio De Janiero : President Prabowo Subianto has said that diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France have experienced positive progress in several fields.

He made the remarks after a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit at the Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday local time.

"We have a lot of progressed cooperation with France," he remarked, according to a statement released by his office on Wednesday.

As per the statement, the meeting between the two presidents was an important momentum to strengthen bilateral relations in many sectors. They discussed several strategic issues ranging from the economic sector to defense equipment.

The meeting took place in a warm and productive environment, which reflected the closeness between the two nations that has continued to grow. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono; Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati; and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya accompanied President Prabowo to the meeting.

As reported earlier, Hartarto stated that several issues were raised at the meeting on the cooperation between the Indonesia-France Economic Forum and the procurement of fighter jets and submarines.
"We surely discussed the economy sector because we have the France-Indonesia bilateral economic forum. President Macron asked for the continuation of this program," he said.

Defense equipment was another topic raised at the meeting, with President Macron expressing appreciation for Indonesia's plan to procure military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets, and to seek cooperation in submarine production.
"President Macron appreciated Indonesia's plan to procure military equipment, including Rafale and submarines," the minister added.

Earlier, Indonesia and France collaborated in the production of high-tech Scorpène Evolved submarines to strengthen the independence of the archipelagic nation's maritime industry.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense completed the purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation after the third-phase purchase contract for 18 units became effective//Antara - VOI

The Indonesian National Team (national team) won when they hosted Saudi Arabia in the 6th match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification, Tuesday (19/11). This result makes Indonesia rank 3rd in the standings - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Two goals from Marselino Ferdinan brought the Indonesian national team to beat Saudi Arabia with a score of 2-0 in the Group C match of the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone, Tuesday.

The victory in the match held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) was Indonesia's first three points in the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone.

Indonesia has now collected six points from six matches in Group C, only three points less than the minimum target set by PSSI for the "Garuda" squad in the qualifying phase.

In the match against Saudi Arabia, Marselino Ferdinan scored goals in the 32nd and 57th minutes. When he scored his first goal, the 20 year old footballer took advantage of a pass from Ragnar Oratmangoen.

Meanwhile, his second goal was the result of Marselino's ability to take advantage of a mistake in the Saudi Arabian defense.

Indonesia appeared to be pressing from the first minute in order to gain victory from the match.

Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo wants the Indonesian National Team to maintain the victory they achieved against the Saudi Arabian National Team when facing the next matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone.

"Hopefully (the victory against the Saudi Arabian national team) can be maintained for the next match, (I am) very optimistic (it can be maintained)," said Dito Ariotedjo as quoted on the official website of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Dito added that this victory was proof of the collaboration between diaspora players and other players who were born and raised in Indonesia.

"This collaboration resulted in two goals scored by Marselino, a young Indonesian," he said.

The Indonesian national team has played six of the 10 matches in the third qualifying round in their fight to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In the four remaining matches that will take place in 2025, coach Shin Tae-yong's children will visit Australia on March 20, host Bahrain on March 25 and China on June 5, and visit Japan on June 10//Antara-VOI

A screenshot of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday (November 17, 2024). (ANTARA/HO-Presidential Communication Office/rst) - 

VOInews, Brazil : Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan discussed cooperation in various strategic sectors, including energy, oil, and gas, on Sunday (November 17), according to the Indonesian president's office.

The office also shared a photo on Instagram with a caption that read: "Bilateral meeting of President Prabowo Subianto with Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the Republic of Tanzania, ahead of the G20 Summit activities," posted on Monday.

The meeting took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the office added.

Both Indonesia and Tanzania have committed to enhancing human resource capacity through education and training, as well as accelerating digitalization efforts to drive progress in both countries.

During President Hassan's planned visit to Indonesia on January 25, 2024, the two nations also agreed to deepen cooperation in several strategic sectors, including trade, investment, human resource development, health, and infrastructure.

One concrete step outlined in the agreement is the initiation of negotiations for a preferential trade agreement (PTA) in 2024, aimed at boosting bilateral trade.

Additionally, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in oil and gas, with involvement from Indonesian state-owned companies such as PT Pertamina and Medco Energi.

In the education and training sectors, Indonesia will assist in enhancing the capacity of Tanzanian human resources, focusing on agriculture and oil and gas industries.

On health cooperation, both nations agreed to strengthen ties in the pharmaceutical sector and expedite the registration process for drug products.

The two countries also reiterated their support for the Palestinian cause and highlighted Tanzania's participation in the Indonesia-Africa Forum to promote South-South cooperation//Antara-VOI

President Prabowo Subianto, at his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, outlined Indonesia's initiatives toward environment-friendly renewable energy development. (ANTARA/HO-Sekretariat Presiden) - 

VOInews, Brazil : President Prabowo Subianto, at his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, outlined Indonesia's initiatives toward environment-friendly renewable energy development. Prabowo delivered this statement in response to climate change as one of the important topics discussed at the G20 Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Indonesia has developed technology for making solar from palm oil. We are also developing technology to produce gasoline from palm oil," he remarked as monitored from his YouTube channel on Monday.

During the meeting, Guterres considered Indonesia as a successful country that played a key role in the summit to prepare for future reforms.

"Indonesia's role, as an international partner, is very important for us to realize more justice, equality, and capacity in supporting developing countries experiencing crises," he affirmed.

G20 nations hold tremendous influence over global climate action, as they account for over 77 percent of worldwide emissions and represent 85 percent of the global economy.

This dominant position makes these countries crucial in determining whether the world can achieve the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The G20 Brazil also discussed important sub-topics such as sustainable climate action and a just and inclusive energy transition.

Earlier, discussions related to climate change were also held by involving experts in providing independent assessments and insights on topics selected for discussion in the G20 TF-CLIMA.

The last session of the G20 Summit in Brazil also discussed topics related to mobilization against climate change, sustainable finance, and energy efficiency.

At the meeting, Prabowo was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Indonesian Ambassador to Brazil Edy Yusop.

Meanwhile, those accompanying the UN Secretary-General included Principal Political Affairs Officer Aguinaldo Baptista, Under Secretary General Li Junhua, UN Resident Coordinator Silvia Rucks, and Director of Sustainable Development Unit Michelle Gyles McDonnough//Antara-VOI

A screenshot of President Prabowo Subianto with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during a dinner at the American Foreign Service Association, Washington D.C., on Monday (November 11, 2024). (ANTARA/Andi Firdaus/rst)

VOInews, Washington D.C : Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has asked the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken about concrete steps taken by the US to handle the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

Prabowo posed the question to Blinken during a dinner held at the American Foreign Service Association, Washington D.C., on Monday, as per a video uploaded on Prabowo's YouTube account on Thursday.

"What about Palestine? Can you do something?" he asked Blinken as the two exchanged conversation after dinner.

Blinken answered that the United States is pushing efforts to handle the conflict.

Prabowo also uploaded a video of the dinner on his personal Instagram account @prabowo.

Earlier, Prabowo and US President Joe Biden committed to ensuring that Palestinian independence is a part of the two-state solution to end the humanitarian conflict in Gaza.

The commitment was included in their joint statement published on the whitehouse.gov webpage on Tuesday.

"Both leaders remain committed to a viable and independent Palestinian state and Israel's security concerns as part of a two-state solution," the statement, which was accessed from here on Wednesday, said.

During the meeting, the two also pressed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza followed by the release of hostages, prisoner exchange, smooth delivery of humanitarian aid, and an end to the conflict.

Prabowo and Biden expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and condemned all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

"The leaders emphasized that the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza will depend on the continued engagement of the international community," the statement said.

Prabowo's visit to Washington D.C. is a part of his overseas tour agenda. He began his tour in Beijing, China, where he met with President Xi Jinping//Antara-VOI

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (in red tie) receives a guard of honor upon his arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday (November 13, 2024). (ANTARA/HO-Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden) - 

VOInews, Peru : President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto arrived at an Air Force Base in the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. local time, for official agenda.

In the South American country, President Prabowo is scheduled to participate in the 2024 Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and hold a bilateral meeting with leaders of several countries.

According to his secretariat's statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, Peruvian Agriculture Minister Angel Manuel Manero Campos, Indonesian Ambassador to Peru Ricky Suhendar, and others welcomed the head of state upon his arrival.

President Prabowo also received a guard of honor from the Peruvian military as he approached a vehicle prepared for him.

The president and his entourage then departed for a hotel where they would stay during the state visit.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Trade Minister Budi Santoso, and Presidential Special Envoy for National Defense Dudung Abdurachman welcomed the president at the hotel.

Earlier on in the same day, the president took off from the Andrews Air Force Base in the United States at around 2 p.m. local time after wrapping up his state visit to Washington, D.C., where he held a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.

During the meeting at the White House on Tuesday (November 12), the two leaders touched upon an array of issues, including Palestine's statehood, climate change, sustainable development, Myanmar's crisis, and Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals program.

The day before, President Prabowo convened a meeting with members of the United States-Indonesia Society (USINDO), including leaders of ExxonMobil, GE Healthcare, Boeing, Freeport McMoRan, Caterpillar, S&P Global, and BP America//Antara-VOI

Presiden Joko Widodo take a picture after give a trophy for Moto GP rider Jorge Martin in Mandalika circuit on Sunday September 29th 2024. (Photo : Vico-Setpres) - 

VOInews, Lombok : President Joko Widodo expressed his appreciation for the development of MotoGP in Indonesia in the last three years. This appreciation was conveyed by the Head of State after witnessing the world motor racing event, Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2024, at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Central Lombok Regency, on Sunday, September 29 2024.

"I see that developments in the past 3 years have been very good, especially in management, the management is better, the facilities also look better," said the President in his statement to the media crew after the match.

Apart from the implementation which was considered better, President Jokowi also appreciated the presence of local crew from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). According to the President, this shows support for the empowerment of local workers.

"Thirdly, for the crew, I am happy that the 3 thousand crew here are all from NTB. That's what I'm happy about," said the President.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Sunday September 29th 2024, the President also highlighted the importance of evaluation and improvement for better implementation in the future. He emphasized that all deficiencies would continue to be corrected in order to improve the quality of this event.

"I think what we still haven't evaluated enough, fix it, what we haven't evaluated enough, fix it, correct it, fix it," said the President.

The President also said that the organizer, Dorna Sports, gave a positive response to the holding of MotoGP in Mandalika this year. The President said that Dorna appreciated the local culture displayed at the opening ceremony of the racing event.

"Earlier, from Dorna's comments, we said that our organization was different, very good, there was a national anthem and there were dances which were also very good," he said.

The 2024 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia in Mandalika has succeeded in attracting world attention and attracting motor racing fans, both from within and outside the country. President Jokowi's support for this event also emphasizes the importance of international sports for Indonesia, both from a tourism and economic perspective//VOI

Indonesia's Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Ministry has sent 13 village heads from some provinces have been sent to China for a benchmarking study - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Indonesia's Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Ministry has sent 13 village heads from some provinces have been sent to China for a benchmarking study.

They belong to fourth batch of Benchmarking Study to China, which is part of the ministry's commitment to pursuing the development of villages, Deputy Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Paiman Rahardjo said.

In a statement received here on Thursday, Rahardjo said the program is carried out under collaboration between China and the ministry.

Rahardjo opined that in an ever-connected world, one country alone cannot overcome the challenges faced in developing villages and eradicating poverty.

He affirmed that collaborative efforts among countries are the key to pursuing a sustainable and inclusive solution.

"We realize that sharing experiences, expertise, and tech is the best way to pursue village development, improve public welfare, and eradicate poverty," the deputy minister noted.

Hence, he stated that the ministry and China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) program is proof of the collaborative spirit aimed at seeking a solution.

He expected that the village heads could genuinely learn and imbibe the knowledge offered in their 10-day visit.

Rahardjo reminded them against treating it as a holiday.

"Seize the opportunity. Do not play around too much in China. However, observe, research, and comprehend everything possible in China in order to replicate it in Indonesia," Rahardjo stated on Wednesday, September 18, while briefing the village leaders.

The ministry's secretary general Taufik Madjid, the ministry's director general of development of disadvantaged regions Nugroho Setijo Nagoro, the ministry's director general for development of transmigration area Danton Ginting, and the secretary of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) Rosyid were also present at the briefing//Antara-VOI

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received the Order of Zayed from United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his great endeavors to strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations. ANTAR/HO-Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden - 

VOInews, Jakarta : President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received the Order of Zayed from United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his notable endeavors to strengthen both nations' bilateral relations.

The prestigious award was conferred to the seventh Indonesian president when the two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The Order of Zayed is the highest civilian honor that the UAE leader confers to world leaders and heads of state. The recipients include Xi Jinping from China, Narendra Modi from India, and Vladimir Putin from Russia.

According to the Indonesian government's press statement that ANTARA received here, Thursday, Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto is also noted as the recipient of a similar award.

The UAE leader was quoted as saying that the Order of Zayed granted to Jokowi was proof of his appreciation for the Indonesian president's profound endeavors to push forward the bilateral relationship.

The UAE leader, better known as MBZ in Indonesia, also prayed for President Jokowi's good health and the advancement and prosperity of the Indonesian people.

In response to the granted award, President Jokowi expressed his high appreciation and pride, saying that the Order of Zayed conferred to him reflected the two countries' special relations.

On a separate occasion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also conferred the Order of the Union on Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan for his contribution to endeavors to strengthen strategic partnership between the UAE and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, regarding the result of Wednesday's bilateral meeting, the two presidents witnessed the announcement of eight deliverables of the agreements:

• An MoU between the Indonesian Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises and UAE real estate developer Eagle Hills on tourism and air transportation;
• An MoU between the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) and the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority on establishing a financial center in Nusantara;
• An MoU between Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Emirates Nuclear Energy (ENEC) on nuclear energy;
• An MoU between Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Central Bank of the UAE (UAECB) on payment systems;
• An MoU between the finance ministries of Indonesia and the UAE on public finance management;
• A framework agreement between PT Dirgantara Indonesia and PAL Aerospace on technology transfer of maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine warfare;
• An MoU between PLN Icon+ and an Emirati state-owned renewable energy company for joint assessment and a commercial and industrial study for rooftop solar installations in Indonesia;
• An MoU between the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund of the UAE on developing the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Center in Bali//ANTARA-VOI