Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, on Tuesday. He dedicated the prestigious award to the people of India, calling it a testament to the enduring civilisational ties between the two democracies.
Modi Receives Bintang Adipurna from President Prabowo
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially bestowed the Star of Indonesia upon PM Modi during a ceremony in Jakarta. The honour recognises Modi's crucial role in strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
Expressing deep gratitude at a joint press meet with President Prabowo, PM Modi said, "This morning, I was conferred Indonesia's highest honour with great affection and respect. This honour belongs to the crores of Indians; it reflects the sentiments of the people of Indonesia and the historic, deep-rooted bonds between our two nations. I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia, and the people here."
Golden Era Beckons Both Nations
Highlighting the relationship, PM Modi said a golden era beckons both nations. "In these times of global turbulence, India believes that the role of dialogue and diplomacy has become more critical than ever. Regarding the issue of Palestine, we support a two-state solution and long-term peace. A golden era beckons both our nations. We share a common culture in our history, shared trust in the present, and shared prosperity in our future. I am confident that, together, we will realize the visions of 'Indonesia Emas' (Golden Indonesia) and a developed India," he said.
PM Modi also noted shared democratic values and unity in diversity as strengths for both countries. "We are set to further strengthen our democratic cooperation through an MoU between the Election Commissions of both nations. Cooperation between India and Indonesia on global issues is also steadily growing. There is synergy in our outlook regarding the Indo-Pacific as well. India has always attached special importance to ASEAN centrality," he added.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Scaling New Heights
Highlighting the rapid evolution of the bilateral dynamic, PM Modi said that in recent years the relationship has gained new energy, confidence, and depth. He noted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, is now scaling new heights across all sectors.
Established in 1959, the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna represents the pinnacle of civilian and military recognition. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to safeguarding the greatness of the nation. Standing as the most exalted among the order's five distinct classes, this supreme honour is automatically invested in the Indonesian President upon inauguration and is periodically bestowed upon foreign heads of state who have played a pivotal role in fortifying bilateral relations, such as Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.
Grand Ceremonial Welcome in Jakarta
The high-level engagement commenced with a grand ceremonial welcome in Jakarta on Tuesday. Horse-mounted guards, a ceremonial Guard of Honour, and vibrant traditional cultural performances marked the arrival of the Prime Minister, who was personally received with a warm hug by President Prabowo. This exceptional hospitality was evident from the moment PM Modi landed on Monday, when his aircraft was escorted by Indonesian military fighter jets upon entering the country's airspace, followed by a formal reception on the tarmac.
Undertaken at the personal invitation of President Prabowo, the July 6-8 visit marks PM Modi's fourth visit to the Southeast Asian archipelago and the first bilateral visit since the relationship was formally elevated in 2018.
Part of Three-Nation Diplomatic Itinerary
The visit forms the initial leg of a wider three-nation diplomatic itinerary. Ahead of his departure, PM Modi emphasised that his visits to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, would further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as New Delhi's outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During his stay, the Prime Minister will interact with members of the Indian diaspora community. He will also accompany President Prabowo to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, a historical site he has previously described as a profound symbol of the deep civilisational links between India and Indonesia. Following the conclusion of his engagements in Indonesia, PM Modi will travel to Australia and New Zealand to complete his ongoing diplomatic visit.
