Narendra Modi was awarded Indonesia's highest civilian honour ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ Medal of Honour’ by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
As a result of PM Modi’s dedication to building the bilateral relations and strengthening strategic cooperation between India and Indonesia. It was one of the highlights of the Prime Minister’s three-nation tour that has seen the Indo-Pacific partnership grow.
President Prabowo Subianto described it as the highest distinction Indonesia can bestow upon an individual and said it reflected the deep civilisational and strategic ties between the two countries.
"This is the highest accolade our republic can bestow, and it stands as a testament to the profound civilisational bonds and the unbreakable strategic trust between Indonesia and India," President Prabowo said during the joint press conference.
The Bintang Adipurna is Indonesia's highest national honour and is awarded to individuals who have served exceptional service to the unity, continuity and prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia.
When the honour was extended to the people of India, Modi was awarded the award, Modi dedicated it to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two countries and the people of India and that it was an honour on which to hold the two nations’ relationship.
"I was awarded Indonesia's highest honour today in great affection and gratitude, it is a great honour for me. This honour belongs to the crores of Indians; it is a reflection of the people of Indonesia and of the deep-rooted ties we have with our two nations,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to President Prabowo, the Indonesian government and its people for the prestigious recognition.
PM Modi highlighted the growing partnership between New Delhi and Jakarta in more recent years and said bilateral ties are being extended in various sectors in the country.
"Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, is now scaling new heights. We are making headway in all of our sectors—development, security, technology, culture and education—and we are taking great strides in that direction."
The Bintang Adipurna is another international honour in PM Modi’s impressive list of awards given overseas for his efforts to promote India’s diplomatic engagement and strategic relations throughout the world.
PM Modi arrived in Indonesia on Monday on the first leg of his three-country tour, part of which will strengthen India’s Act East Policy, advance the MAHASAGAR Vision, and improve cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
His arrival in Jakarta received a grand welcome. Prabowo personally welcomed the Indian Prime Minister at the airport, while fighter jets of the Indonesian Air Force escorted PM Modi's aircraft after it entered Indonesian airspace. The two leaders had a warm hug in the presidential palace at breakfast on Tuesday morning and went on to hold high-level bilateral talks.
PM Modi will also look into further cooperation in defence, trade, connectivity and maritime security during his visit from July 6 to 8. Talks on the BrahMos missile deal, which could be a major step in the defence collaboration between the two countries, will also help to advance negotiations on the BrahMos missile deal.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the Indian diaspora in Indonesia and visit the historic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta with President Prabowo. The centuries-old temple, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, is an important symbol of India-Indonesia links in all spheres of culture and civilisational life.
With the honour of Indonesia’s highest civilian honour and new promises of cooperation, PM Modi’s visit is just the latest chapter in the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is developing between the two nations and it is a tangible manifestation of the common goal of peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
