Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his official visit to Jakarta. The prestigious award recognizes individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the unity, continuity and prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia.
The honour was presented during a ceremonial event at the Istana Merdeka (Presidential Palace), where PM Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome before holding bilateral talks with President Subianto.
The Bintang Adipurna Medal of Honour is the highest decoration bestowed by the Republic of Indonesia. It is awarded to distinguished individuals for their extraordinary contributions to the country's unity, development and prosperity.
The honour reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Indonesia and recognizes Prime Minister Modi's role in strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue amid global uncertainties.
"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.
The Prime Minister said India and Indonesia are entering a new phase of partnership built on shared history, democratic values and future aspirations.
"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.
Highlighting democratic cooperation, Modi announced that both countries will further strengthen institutional ties through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their Election Commissions.
He also noted that India and Indonesia share common perspectives on the Indo-Pacific and reiterated India's strong support for ASEAN centrality.
"Democratic values and unity in diversity have been shared strengths for both India and Indonesia. 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.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome at the Istana Merdeka, where he was greeted by President Prabowo Subianto. The Indian Prime Minister also signed the guest book at the Presidential Palace before the two leaders held delegation-level talks.
Sharing moments from the visit on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote:
"Thank you for the warm welcome at the Istana Merdeka!"
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as a significant milestone in advancing the India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He said the visit would open new avenues of cooperation across priority sectors while reinforcing the deep trust, shared democratic values and longstanding friendship between the two nations.
PM Modi noted that this was his first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the elevation of bilateral relations and follows President Prabowo Subianto's State Visit to India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025.
The visit underscores the commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, maritime security, connectivity and digital partnerships.
Indonesia is the first stop of Prime Minister Modi's three-nation tour, which also includes Australia and New Zealand. Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the visit is aimed at strengthening India's Act East Policy, advancing the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) Vision, and reinforcing India's commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The visit is expected to further deepen India's engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues.
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