Strengthening French-Indonesian Naval Cooperation
Deployed in the Indo-Pacific as part of the CLEMENCEAU 25 mission, the French aircraft carrier group, led by the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, has made a historic port call in Bali and Lombok. This marks the first visit of its kind, highlighting the growing naval cooperation between France and Indonesia.
In 2025, France and Indonesia celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. This visit underscores their strategic partnership, established in 2011, which focuses on defense and maritime security cooperation. The stopover provides an opportunity to enhance operational exchanges between the French Navy and the Indonesian Navy, reinforcing bilateral ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
Joint Maritime Exercises and Surveillance Operations
While in Bali and Lombok, the French aircraft carrier group will conduct essential logistical operations to support its ongoing deployment in the Pacific Ocean. The visit also follows France’s participation in the fifth edition of the LA PEROUSE multinational naval exercise, held from January 16 to 25, 2025.
The exercise saw France, alongside other Pacific nations, engage in maritime security drills across key waterways, including the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, and Lombok Strait. These drills aimed to address threats such as illicit trafficking, illegal immigration, and environmental hazards from maritime incidents.
As part of LA PEROUSE 25, Indonesia hosted two French ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft at Kertajati Air Base near Jakarta. These aircraft conducted maritime surveillance flights, with Indonesian observers onboard to facilitate information sharing and operational cooperation.
Additionally, on January 25, 2025, the French air defense frigate Forbin performed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Indonesian Navy’s KRI Martadinata in the Lombok Strait, further strengthening interoperability between the two naval forces.
Commitment to Regional Maritime Security
As nations bordering both the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, France and Indonesia collaborate regularly to enhance maritime security. Both countries are active members of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)—key forums that promote naval cooperation and collective responses to regional maritime challenges.
This first-ever French aircraft carrier group visit to Indonesia marks a significant step in advancing bilateral naval cooperation and reinforcing regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
