Prabowo Gifts PM Modi an Angklung Set as Bollywood Classic Echoes Through the Palace

President Prabowo Subianto utilised a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce Indonesia’s cultural richness through a deeply meaningful diplomatic gift. During Modi’s state visit to Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, Prabowo presented a set of angklung as a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and India. The gift was not merely a state souvenir but also a medium of cultural diplomacy that highlighted the personal closeness of the two leaders. The formal meeting atmosphere turned warm when Prabowo and Modi together played the traditional musical instrument typical of West Java. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the presentation of the angklung was part of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy aimed at introducing the nation’s identity to strategic partners. ‘On the sidelines of the meeting, President Prabowo gave a diplomatic souvenir in the form of an angklung set to PM Narendra Modi. The angklung, a traditional musical instrument from West Java, serves as a symbol of friendship and Indonesia’s cultural wealth,’ Teddy wrote in his official statement on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. When handing over the gift, Prabowo conveyed a brief message to Modi. ‘For your collection,’ President Prabowo said to PM Modi. PM Modi accepted the gift with a warm smile of appreciation. Not stopping at the souvenir presentation ceremony, the two leaders then tried playing the angklung directly. Prabowo and PM Modi shook the angklung they were holding. The distinctive chime of the bamboo instrument filled the Merdeka Palace room and thawed the atmosphere amidst the previously formal state agenda. The moment became even more memorable when the strains of the legendary Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ were played using the angklung set. Modi appeared to enjoy the experience while trying to play the angklung himself, while Prabowo smiled and gave a round of applause as a sign of appreciation. After playing the angklung, Modi expressed his thanks to President Prabowo for the gift he received.