Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia', by President Prabowo Subianto during his bilateral visit to Jakarta.
Instituted in 1959, the Bintang Adipurna is Indonesia's highest medal of honour, awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the unity, continuity and prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia. The honour marks yet another addition to PM Modi's growing list of global recognitions, taking his tally to over 30 international awards from countries across the world.
Accepting the honour, PM Modi thanked the Indonesian government and dedicated the award to the enduring friendship between India and Indonesia.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister stressed that dialogue and diplomacy have become more important than ever amid global uncertainty.
"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," PM Modi said.
Highlighting the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations, he added, "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 realise the visions of 'Indonesia Emas' (Golden Indonesia) and a developed India."
PM Modi also said democratic values and unity in diversity remain shared strengths of both countries and announced that India and Indonesia will further deepen democratic cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Election Commissions of the two nations. He also reaffirmed India's commitment to ASEAN centrality and noted that both countries share a common vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with President Prabowo Subianto to further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, defence, maritime security and other strategic sectors.
The Prime Minister was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at Jakarta's Istana Merdeka (Presidential Palace), where he was greeted by President Prabowo with a warm embrace before the national anthems of both countries were played. As his motorcade made its way to the palace, schoolchildren lined the streets waving the Indian and Indonesian flags.
PM Modi also signed the visitors' book at the Presidential Palace. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as "a significant step" in advancing the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and opening new avenues for cooperation while reinforcing the deep trust, shared values and enduring friendship between the two countries.
The Prime Minister, who arrived in Jakarta on Monday, thanked President Prabowo for personally receiving him at the airport — a rare diplomatic gesture.
"Arrived in Jakarta. I was deeply touched by the warmth of President Prabowo Subianto, who personally welcomed me at the airport," PM Modi wrote on X, adding that the visit would inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties.
He also announced that both leaders will visit the iconic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia's largest Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to further strengthen the cultural bonds between the two nations.
This is PM Modi's fourth visit to Indonesia and his first bilateral visit since India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. The visit also follows President Prabowo's state visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025.
Indonesia is the first stop of PM Modi's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Australia and New Zealand. Ahead of his departure, the Prime Minister said the visit would strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) Vision, and its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
