Indonesia Confers Highest Civilian Honor on Narendra Modi

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto conferred the Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia's highest civilian honor, upon Narendra Modi on July 7, 2026. The award ceremony took place in Jakarta during a two-day state visit where the Indian Prime Minister received full ceremonial honors, including a fighter jet escort. The distinction recognizes extraordinary service to the integrity and greatness of Indonesia and marks only the second time an Indian Prime Minister has received the honor, following Jawaharlal Nehru.

During an Indian diaspora event, President Prabowo announced that a genome sequencing test revealed he possesses Indian DNA, citing the deep influence of Indian civilization on Indonesia. He noted that roughly 50 percent of the Indonesian language derives from Sanskrit and described himself as an admirer of Modi's policies. The two leaders discussed the maintenance of democracy, with Prabowo identifying the Election Commission of India as a model for Indonesia.

Modi stated that the honor belongs to the people of both nations and described Prabowo as a true friend of India. While Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the Prime Minister, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the award, claiming Nehru had received the same honor posthumously without having to wrangle for it. The visit coincides with a deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries focusing on maritime security, energy, trade, and defense.