Indonesian Contingent Makes a Dashing Appearance in France's Bastille Day Parade

Paris: Indonesia was the guest of honor at the Bastille Day parade in downtown Paris, France, today, Monday, July 14, 2025. The Indonesian contingent participated in this annual French parade and was witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto.

The Indonesian contingent featured the Lokananta drum band from the military academy, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) three-dimensional troops, and traditional kecak and reog Ponorogo dances. The Indonesian military contingent paraded along the Champ de Mars in Paris.

Indonesia was honored to be the parade's opening force, the first to step in front of the French President's podium at the Place de la Concorde.



The TNI drum band played several national songs, including "Maju Tak Gentar." The troops marched past the podium, where President Prabowo and French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, watched the parade.

Indonesia sent a contingent called Task Force Patriot 2, consisting of approximately 500 personnel. Task Force Patriot 2 consists of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (Polri), military academy cadets, and representatives from the Air Force, Navy, and Army.

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day is France's National Day, celebrated annually on July 14th. The official names of this commemoration are La Fete Nationale (The National Celebration) and Le quatorze juilet (The Fourteenth of July).

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison, a symbol of modern national rebellion and the reconciliation of the French people under the monarchy before the French Republic.

The Bastille Parade is a regular parade and one of the oldest in the world and the largest in Europe.

Welcomed by Honorary Staff

Upon arrival at Orly Airport, President Prabowo was officially greeted by French Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau and French Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Fabien Penone.

President Prabowo, arrived in Paris on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 6:35 p.m. local time, after flying from Brussels. The Head of State continued his visit after completing a series of working agendas in the Belgian capital.

Upon arrival at Orly Airport, President Prabowo was officially greeted by French Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau and French Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Fabien Penone. Also present were the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to France, Muhammad Oemar, and the Defense Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, Air Marshal Anang Surdwiyono.

After descending the aircraft's steps, President Prabowo walked side by side with French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau past a 20-person guard of honor.

Their steps along the guard of honor reflected a formal and respectful atmosphere, symbolizing the warm welcome from the French government for the visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The welcoming atmosphere was solemn and full of camaraderie, marking the beginning of President Prabowo's visit to Paris.

From the airport, President Prabowo proceeded directly to his hotel where he will be staying during his visit to the French capital. President Prabowo's arrival in Paris was scheduled to attend the commemoration of France's Bastille Day as guest of honor, which will take place on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Accompanying the President on the flight from Brussels were Minister of Investment and Downstream Development/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.