Indonesia–France Launch Strategic Cultural Partnership at Borobudur Temple

President Macron Admires Borobudur Temple

President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron expressed his deep admiration for Borobudur Temple during a visit to the world cultural heritage site with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in Magelang Regency, Central Java, Thursday (05/29/2025). The visit to Borobudur Temple was a special part of President Macron's state visit to Indonesia.

Amidst the mountainous atmosphere and stunning ancient architectural panorama, Macron conveyed his spiritual and cultural reflections on the site built more than a thousand years ago.

"Used as a place of worship, it is also a spiritual masterpiece of architecture which is proof of Indonesia's superiority," said President Macron in his statement after touring the temple.

According to President Macron, the presence of Borobudur, which was built in the 8th century AD, and its continued role until now, shows the strength of Indonesian culture. One of them is as a source of inspiration not only in Southeast Asia, but also on the global stage.

"This is a demonstration of the influence of Indonesian culture that is reminded here," he continued.

President Macron also highlighted the timeless spiritual meaning of Borobudur. This temple, said President Macron, is not only a historical tourist destination, but also a place of worship that is full of universal values.

"But Borobudur, I think what I said is a place of worship and there are hundreds of thousands of people who come to worship which also shows a universal message, tolerance, respect conveyed by Indonesia," said Macron.

President Macron also praised the cooperation between Indonesia and UNESCO which has succeeded in preserving Borobudur, making it a symbol of the success of multilateralism and the spirit of international collaboration.

"Borobudur is a testimony to the advantages of multilateralism and the spirit of partnership because by working together between the Indonesian government and UNESCO several decades ago they have succeeded in preserving this temple and registering it as a UNESCO world cultural heritage," said President Macron.

President Macron also expressed his high respect for the historical and artistic richness of the Indonesian nation, which he said was not only a national pride, but also an inspiration for the world.

"So here I want to express our deep respect, admiration for the richness of Indonesia's artistic and cultural history. This temple is not only a monument but a symbol of human excellence, a source of inspiration for the whole world," said President Macron.

"That is also what unites us and since yesterday we have been talking about our common ground is the relationship that exists between culture, creation, the unifying element and this is what unites our two nations and our people," he concluded.

This visit also strengthens cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and France, making Borobudur a symbol of friendship and a meeting point for civilizations between nations.

Indonesia–France Launch Strategic Cultural Partnership at Borobudur Temple

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto together with French President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron visited Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, Thursday (05/29/2025). The visit of the two heads of state to Borobudur marked the launch of a strategic partnership in the field of culture between Indonesia and France.

"This morning our ministers of culture and also several actors in the field of culture were present here. And I thank you for signing a number of agreements and agreements," said President Macron in his remarks.

President Macron explained that this cultural partnership will be based on two main pillars. The first pillar is cooperation in the field of world heritage preservation and museum management. He stated that Indonesia has a very large wealth of world heritage and France is ready to share its expertise in this field.

"There is cooperation between the Indonesian Heritage Agency and the Centro de Monuments Nationaux. I am pleased that there will be a number of people from Indonesia coming to France so that we can learn from each other," he said.

An in-depth study of priority heritage sites will be carried out with assistance from various educational and research institutions in France. In addition, a partnership between EVO and the Grand Palais Museum Guimet has also been launched to prepare various exhibitions involving contemporary artists from both countries.

"We will accompany real actions in accordance with the priorities conveyed by Indonesian partners. Schools, research centers, and other institutions in France are ready to participate in this initiative," he explained.

Furthermore, President Macron conveyed the second pillar, namely strengthening the cultural industry and creative economy. President Macron said that the creative industry is at the core of people's lives and this partnership aims to empower the creative and innovative young generation of Indonesia and France.

"France and Indonesia want to be a field for making young people independent and this is a partnership also for inventive young people in France and Indonesia," he said.

Several cooperation programs conveyed by the French President include film collaboration between the French National Cinema Center (Centre national du cinéma/CNC) and the La Fémis film school. Partnerships in this field include training, dissemination of works, and joint film co-production.

"Especially the partnership for training, dissemination and co-production and explaining in this partnership building, fostering a funding model for a film world that does not only depend on big models like those implemented by France," he continued.

In the fashion sector, President Macron appreciated the partnership with the PINTU incubator and the involvement of Indonesian designers in Paris Fashion Week. The partnership in the cultural sector, according to President Macron, will also be expanded to other sectors such as games, design, gastronomy, and sustainable urban planning.

"I would like to greet all actors from the Indonesian creative industry who are present, whose talents are also known in France, both in Cannes, both through gastronomy and famous fashion designers. I would also like to convey the method with a balanced partnership that is mutually beneficial," he said.

Concluding his remarks, President Macron emphasized the principle of a partnership that is mutually respectful and beneficial. President Macron also expressed his respect for being able to launch this partnership at Borobudur Temple.

"This is really a very extraordinary thing for me. This is a sign of Indonesian culture and we want to be a trusted partner, a friend, a companion and I hope also for the creators. Long live Indonesia, long live France and long live the friendship between our two countries," he said.

Affirm the Values of Friendship and Tolerance Between Nations

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto together with French President Emmanuel Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron visited the Borobudur Temple area, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Thursday (05/29/2025).

The two heads of state arrived at the temple area which has been recognized as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO and were warmly welcomed by a line of local students wearing traditional Javanese clothing. The children seemed enthusiastic about waving the Indonesian and French flags along the entrance to the temple area.

During this visit, President Prabowo and President Macron also appeared to be wearing white shirts. Their presence attracted the attention of visitors and the public who watched from a distance.

In his remarks, President Prabowo expressed his pride and honor for the visit of President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron to the historic site of Borobudur Temple. The Head of State emphasized that Borobudur Temple is a masterpiece of civilization that is full of historical and spiritual values, and reflects the richness of the culture and philosophy of the Indonesian nation.

“It is a great honor for us to receive His Majesty’s visit to this historic site, which is a masterpiece of civilization, and has been designated by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage rich in history and spiritual meaning,” President Prabowo said.

President Prabowo also emphasized that Indonesia, as a nation based on Pancasila, upholds the values of tolerance and respect for all religions and beliefs. He called this visit a symbol of the close relationship of friendship and shared human values between Indonesia and France.

“Indonesia and France are two great nations, which have a long history, a deeply rooted culture, and a long civilization. We also have the same spirit, the same human values, tolerance, respect for cultural heritage, respect for all religions, beliefs, all races, all ethnic groups,” he said.

“We want to maintain a harmonious life, good peace. We believe that only with friendship, family, and collaboration can we all have a better life,” President Prabowo continued.

Concluding his remarks, President Prabowo expressed optimism that the Indonesia-France partnership will continue to grow and strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation between the people of both countries.

"I believe and am optimistic that our partnership will continue and become a bridge for cultural figures, artists, creative industry players, and all community leaders of our two countries," said President Prabowo.

This visit is an important part of President Macron's series of state visits to Indonesia and at the same time emphasizes the commitment of both countries to preserving world cultural heritage and establishing closer cooperation in various fields.