Amnesty: Modi Unfit for Indonesia's Highest Honour Due to Human Rights Record

Amnesty International Indonesia has stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unfit to receive the Republic of Indonesia’s highest honour. President Prabowo Subianto conferred the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna on Modi on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, citing his services in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Indonesian development projects.

Wirya Adiwena, Deputy Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, criticised the move, calling it an excessive step by the government. He argued that the award contradicts the principles of the 2009 Law on Honours, which requires such recognitions to be based on humanitarian values. Wirya highlighted that Amnesty’s 2025/2026 report documented a rapid deterioration of the human rights situation in India under Modi’s leadership, including the systematic criminalisation of peaceful expression and assembly.

Wirya further noted that journalists, activists, comedians, academics, and students exercising their right to free speech have been targeted under sedition and anti-terrorism laws. He also pointed to the increased persecution of religious and ethnic minorities. Amnesty International urged the Indonesian government to revoke the award, asserting that bestowing the highest state honour on a leader with a documented record of human rights violations is a grave misstep.