Indonesia's Prabowo hails India's democratic stability as model for Jakarta

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed an Indian Community Reception at the Jakarta International Convention Centre on 7 July 2026, saying India’s achievement of peaceful government transitions in a 1.4‑billion‑person, ethnically and linguistically diverse democracy “is a remarkable achievement”. He noted that democracy “is not an easy path, not an easy system … it is the best system for justice, for hope, for inclusiveness” and urged Indonesians to learn from India’s experience to strengthen their own democratic institutions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also present, praised the bilateral friendship, stating that his relationship with Prabowo “passes every copyright or property right”. Modi announced that he and Prabowo would launch a conservation project for the Prambanan Temple the following day. Commentators highlighted the hug between the two leaders as a sign of growing Indonesia‑India ties and called for continued respect for religious freedoms in India, noting concerns over Islamophobia.

The statements underscore a diplomatic effort to reinforce Indonesia‑India cooperation, with democracy and cultural heritage preservation featured as shared priorities.