Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the close friendship between Indonesia and India when attending the Indian Community Reception held at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on Tuesday.
In a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, President Prabowo expressed his gratitude and happiness at being able to meet directly with the Indian community in Indonesia, and recalled the honor of being the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2025.
"I am very honored to be the chief guest, because India's first Republic Day celebration was in 1950, and the chief guest at that time was Indonesia's first president, President Soekarno. So, fate has made me the eighth president of the Republic of Indonesia," Prabowo said.
In his remarks, President Prabowo also emphasized his personal admiration for PM Modi.
"Once again, I do not interfere in India's domestic politics, but I am a personal admirer of Shri Narendra Modi," the President said.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in his remarks expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome given by President Prabowo Subianto and all the Indonesian people.
PM Modi called President Prabowo a true friend of India and said he was impressed by the honor he received since arriving in Indonesia.
"This is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. In Indonesia, the love Indonesians have for India—I even saw it today at the Presidential Palace. The spirit of the Indonesian people, the smiles of the schoolchildren at the palace, the enthusiasm of the young Indonesians—it was all extraordinary. I can't express it in words; it was truly extraordinary," said PM Modi.
PM Modi also expressed his admiration for the enthusiasm of the Indonesian people, which he considered a reflection of genuine friendship, including the popularity of Indian songs
According to PM Modi, this cultural closeness is a strong asset for strengthening relations between the two countries in the future.
"Today I told President Prabowo that if India and Indonesia walk together, it won't just be a 'kuch kuch', not just a few things happening, but in the future, many things will happen if we stay together," he said.
The Indian Community Reception marked the closing evening of PM Modi's state visit to Jakarta. PM Modi is scheduled to travel to visit the Prambanan Temple Complex.
