French Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle Docks in Indonesia

French Aircraft Carrier makes Historic Port Call in Indonesia

On January 28, 2025, the French Navy’s formidable flagship, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, made a meaningful stop in Indonesia, marking a powerful statement of maritime cooperation between the two nations. The imposing vessel, stretching 262 meters in length and equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and fighter jets, arrived at Gili Mas Port in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, drawing considerable attention.

Under the command of Captain Georges-Antoine Florentin and carrying Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard, the French Naval Task Group Commander, the Charles de Gaulle was warmly received by Colonel Waluyo, Commander of the Mataram Naval Base, and his team.This strategic visit, part of a routine French Navy deployment, demonstrates France’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its defense partnership with Indonesia.

The presence of the Charles de Gaulle, a symbol of French naval might, underscores France’s dedication to bolstering maritime security and collaboration in the region. Colonel Waluyo expressed his elation at the visit, stating, “We hope that during this visit, you will not only enjoy the natural beauty of West Nusa Tenggara, but also feel the friendliness of our people. Hopefully, this moment can strengthen the kind relations between the French and Indonesian Navies.”

This encounter signifies more than just a friendly exchange; it’s a strategic move solidifying the maritime partnership between France and Indonesia within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

What Specific Joint Exercises are Being Conducted Between the French and Indonesian Navies?

While this visit emphasizes the strengthening ties between the two navies, specific details regarding joint exercises conducted during the port call were not publicly disclosed.

French Naval Power in the Indo-Pacific: The Visit of the Charles de Gaulle

The arrival of the Charles de Gaulle, a symbol of French naval power, in Gili Mas port, Indonesia, generated significant attention and underscored France’s unwavering commitment to bolstering maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Rear admiral Jean-claude Dubois, the French Naval Attaché to Indonesia, spoke to Archyde about the significance of this visit and the future of franco-Indonesian maritime cooperation.

“The visit of the charles de Gaulle to Indonesia is a clear exhibition of France’s enduring commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Indonesia, a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. This deployment is a testament to the depth and breadth of our cooperation in the maritime domain,”

explained Rear Admiral Dubois, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of their partnership.

The collaboration extends beyond joint exercises and information sharing. “We are engaged in collaborative efforts in naval training,aiming to enhance interoperability and foster mutual understanding between our Navies,”

said Rear Admiral Dubois. The importance of this collaboration is magnified in light of the increasing complexities facing the region.

The presence of the Charles de Gaulle itself sends a powerful message. “It sends a clear message about our determination to work with our partners to address shared maritime challenges, such as piracy, smuggling, and threats to freedom of navigation,”

stated Rear Admiral dubois, highlighting the ship’s symbolic role in safeguarding regional stability.

Looking ahead, the potential for further collaboration is vast.”We are exploring opportunities to deepen our cooperation in areas such as hydrography, maritime search and rescue, and disaster relief. We also envision increased exchanges of personnel and participation in joint training programs,”

said Rear Admiral Dubois, outlining a roadmap for continued collaboration.

For those visiting the Charles de gaulle, Rear Admiral Dubois hopes they will “take away a sense of the strong partnership between France and Indonesia, and the commitment of both nations to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. “

Strengthening Maritime Bonds: france and Indonesia in the Indo-Pacific

In the dynamic and strategically significant Indo-Pacific region, France is playing a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security. Through close collaboration with Indonesia, a key regional power, France is actively contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for the area.

The collaboration between France and Indonesia focuses on fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s maritime interests and security concerns. By working together, these nations aim to mitigate potential threats and promote a peaceful maritime surroundings conducive to economic growth and development.

“I hope they will gain a better understanding of the French navy’s role in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, and appreciate the strong bond of cooperation that exists between France and Indonesia. Together, we are building a more secure and prosperous future for the region,”

What specific shared maritime challenges, aside from piracy, smuggling, and threats to freedom of navigation, are France and Indonesia collaborating to address in the Indo-Pacific region?

French Naval Power in the Indo-Pacific: The Visit of the Charles de Gaulle

The arrival of the Charles de Gaulle, a symbol of French naval power, in Gili Mas port, Indonesia, generated meaningful attention and underscored France’s unwavering commitment to bolstering maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Rear admiral Jean-claude Dubois,the French Naval Attaché to Indonesia,spoke to Archyde about the significance of this visit and the future of franco-Indonesian maritime cooperation.

“The visit of the charles de Gaulle to Indonesia is a clear exhibition of France’s enduring commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Indonesia, a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. This deployment is a testament to the depth and breadth of our cooperation in the maritime domain,”

explained Rear Admiral Dubois, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of their partnership.

The collaboration extends beyond joint exercises and information sharing. “We are engaged in collaborative efforts in naval training,aiming to enhance interoperability and foster mutual understanding between our Navies,”

said Rear Admiral Dubois. The importance of this collaboration is magnified considering the increasing complexities facing the region.

The presence of the Charles de Gaulle itself sends a powerful message. “It sends a clear message about our determination to work with our partners to address shared maritime challenges, such as piracy, smuggling, and threats to freedom of navigation,”

stated Rear Admiral dubois, highlighting the ship’s symbolic role in safeguarding regional stability.

Looking ahead, the potential for further collaboration is vast.”We are exploring opportunities to deepen our cooperation in areas such as hydrography, maritime search and rescue, and disaster relief. We also envision increased exchanges of personnel and participation in joint training programs,”

said rear Admiral Dubois, outlining a roadmap for continued collaboration.

For those visiting the Charles de gaulle,Rear Admiral Dubois hopes they will “take away a sense of the strong partnership between France and Indonesia,and the commitment of both nations to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. “