Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Indonesia on a two-day official visit, aimed at bolstering strategic ties between India and Indonesia. The visit, which took place from September 3-4, 2025, included a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, an address to the Indian diaspora, and a visit to the historic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta.
Meeting with President Prabowo
PM Modi and President Prabowo held extensive talks at the Merdeka Palace, focusing on enhancing cooperation in defense, trade, and maritime security. The two leaders signed several agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation and a pact to boost maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. According to a joint statement, both nations committed to increasing bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, up from the current $30 billion.
Address to Indian Diaspora
Addressing the Indian community in Jakarta, PM Modi highlighted the growing ties between the two countries. "India and Indonesia are not just neighbors but strategic partners, sharing centuries-old cultural and historical links," he said. The event saw participation from over 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora, who cheered the Prime Minister's remarks on India's economic growth and its role in the region.
Visit to Prambanan Temple
PM Modi also visited the 9th-century Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple, dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, underscores the deep cultural ties between India and Indonesia. The Prime Minister offered prayers and praised the preservation efforts of the Indonesian government.
Strategic Implications
The visit is seen as a significant step in India's Act East Policy, with Indonesia being a key partner in ASEAN. Analysts note that the defense cooperation agreement could lead to joint naval exercises and intelligence sharing in the South China Sea. The visit also comes amid China's increasing assertiveness in the region, making the India-Indonesia partnership crucial for regional stability.
