Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone said on Tuesday (24/3/2026) that France is committed to broadening its athletic partnerships with Indonesia through concrete bilateral initiatives across multiple disciplines.

"We aim to strengthen and diversify our cooperation from defense to culture, with a primary focus on developing the sports sector," he said during a diplomatic reception for the management of Persib Bandung football club, as quoted by antaranews.com

The Ambassador emphasized that sports serve as a powerful catalyst for people-to-people exchange, noting the shared passion for football in both nations. Building on the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics collaboration with the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), France is now exploring new ventures with the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports and Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). 

Key programs include sending Indonesian youth to the prestigious Clairefontaine national football center and launching specialized training initiatives for female players and coaches. Beyond the pitch, the partnership will extend into equestrian sports and academic mobility programs, fostering long-term institutional ties between the two republics.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)