The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) troops, part of the joint Patriot II Task Force, made a remarkable appearance at France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris. The Indonesian contingent, featuring mascots representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force, caught the attention of spectators along the iconic Champs-Élysées. President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and French President Emmanuel Macron watched from the main tribune, with Prabowo saluting the troops as they marched past and Macron applauding their impressive performance.
Comprising 451 personnel from the TNI and cadets from Indonesia’s military and police academies, the 500-member Indonesian contingent had been in France since July 6, 2025, preparing for the event. Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14, signifies the Storming of the Bastille in 1789 and also commemorates the 100th anniversary of La Flamme and the Bleuet de France. Indonesia’s participation in the parade underscores the strong bilateral relations between Indonesia and France, showcasing the nation’s dedication to defense diplomacy rooted in peace, solidarity, and international collaboration.
