Jakarta. French President Emmanuel Macron recently told his military men to partner with Indonesia, a day prior to President Prabowo Subianto’s debut at the Bastille Day parade.

The national holiday celebrates the storming of the Bastille, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution that eventually ended the country’s old political system. Macron has invited Prabowo as the guest of honor of this year’s Bastille Day celebration. In his traditional speech to the French military, Macron called on his army to join hands with countries that are like-minded when it comes to anti-imperialism. This includes Indonesia.

“Let’s defend this freedom alongside other great nations, our European partners, our allies, but also the nations that are far away from us like Indonesia, whom we have invited on July 14, who refuse the idea of blocs and imperialism in the Indo-Pacific, just like us,” Macron said Sunday local time.

Early on in the speech, Macron warned that Europe’s freedom was in danger, among others, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The United States has also added another form of “uncertainty”, not to mention the wars in the Middle East. It was at this moment that Macron unveiled 6.5 billion euros ($7.6 billion) in extra defense spending over the next two years.

France is entering its 75th year of diplomatic ties with Indonesia. Defense partnership plays a key role in the relationship between the two G20 nations.

Indonesia, which describes itself as a non-aligned country, has agreed to purchase 42 French-made Rafale fighter jets under a 2022 deal. The first six Rafale jets will arrive in Indonesia next year. The Indonesian military will also join the Bastille Day parade on Monday local time.

Macron visited Jakarta about two months ago and became the first European leader to make a state visit to Indonesia since Prabowo assumed power last October.

Prabowo told Macron at the time that Paris was among Jakarta’s key partners in its weapons modernization plan. Prabowo's foreign policy stance is known for his wish to make Indonesia a "good neighbor" to all. The retired army general has also gained a reputation for his frequent international trips.