France and Indonesia's foreign ministers signed an agreement Wednesday for a maritime security project aimed at ensuring "peace and safety" in the Indo-Pacific region. The signing took place at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations headquarters in Jakarta during French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's visit to Indonesia, the second stop on his four-day Asia tour.

Barrot described the Indo-Pacific Port Security Project as "close to my heart" and pledged France's support, though specific details of the project were not shared by either diplomat. The project will focus on securing two Indonesian ports in Jakarta and Surabaya.

Indonesia's naval chief of staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, had previously stated that the project would address various maritime security challenges. These include:

• Piracy
• Terrorism
• Illegal activities at sea

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that "maritime collaboration is important to realize a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific." The agreement comes as tensions between the European Union and Beijing continue.

This security initiative parallels Canada's recent $6.5 billion investment in Australia's Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar technology, which provides surveillance capabilities up to 3,000 kilometers away. Both deals reflect growing security concerns across the Indo-Pacific region as nations strengthen maritime and aerial monitoring systems.

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands, has been strengthening military cooperation with France in recent years. Last year, Indonesia purchased 42 Rafale and Dassault Aviation fighter jets, with the first deliveries expected in 2026.

The country also announced the purchase of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales Ground Control Interception radars. Five radar systems are planned for installation in Indonesia's future capital, Nusantara, on Borneo island.

French air force planes made a stopover in Jakarta last July as part of a Southeast Asia visit demonstrating France's commitment to Indo-Pacific security. Barrot's current visit may help prepare for a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron, who is expected to visit Indonesia in May.

Following his Indonesia visit, Barrot will travel to China, with planned stops in Beijing and Shanghai on Thursday and Friday.