Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) troops made a remarkable appearance at France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris. The joint Patriot II Task Force showcased an impressive marching and cultural performance along the historic Champs-Élysées. The Indonesian contingent stood out with mascots representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force, symbolizing each military branch with a leopard, shark, and eagle respectively. President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and French President Emmanuel Macron watched from the main tribune, with Prabowo saluting the troops as they passed by and Macron applauding their impressive performance.
The 500-member Indonesian contingent, including personnel from the TNI and cadets from Indonesia’s military and police academies, had been in France since 6 July 2025 to prepare for the event. Bastille Day, observed every 14 July, commemorates the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a significant moment in the French Revolution. This year’s celebration also marks the 100th anniversary of La Flamme, the Eternal Flame beneath the Arc de Triomphe, and the Bleuet de France, a national symbol honoring fallen soldiers and war victims.
Indonesia’s participation in the parade signifies the strong bilateral relations between Indonesia and France, highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to defense diplomacy focused on peace, solidarity, and international cooperation. This display of unity and cooperation demonstrates the growing strength of the bond between the two countries.
