Prabowo Highlights Centuries-Old Indonesia-India Ties Before PM Modi
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subiability recounted the close relationship between Indonesia and India, which has been established for hundreds of years through history, civilisation, and culture.
Prabowo made these remarks while attending a dinner with the Indian community in Indonesia, which was also attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta on Monday (7/7).
In his address, Prabowo stated that Indonesia has long shared a historical closeness with India, indicating that Indonesia has always studied and emulated various positive aspects from the nation.
“In truth, our civilisation and our culture have been heavily influenced by Indian civilisation for hundreds of years,” said Prabowo.
Furthermore, Prabowo explained that the influence of Indian civilisation is still felt today. One manifestation can be found in the Indonesian language, which has absorbed many Sanskrit loanwords, as well as in the use of Indonesian names inspired by Sanskrit.
“Our language, I believe, is about 50 per cent derived from Sanskrit. Many of our names are Sanskrit names. Therefore, there is a closeness between us, and we welcome even closer cooperation,” the President said.
The Head of State noted that the closeness between Indonesia and India has continued as both became modern, independent nations. As evidence, Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, served as an honourable guest at the first celebration of India’s Republic Day in 1950.
This honour continued into Prabowo’s leadership, as he also served as an honourable guest at the celebration of India’s Republic Day on 26 January 2025.
“At that time, I had only been inaugurated as the President of the Republic of Indonesia for three months, specifically on 20 October. I felt very honoured,” he explained.
On this occasion, Prabowo also expressed his appreciation for the good relations that have been established between Indonesia and India.
He expressed hope that the historical and cultural closeness between the two countries could serve as a foundation to strengthen strategic cooperation in various fields in the future.
“Therefore, we welcome closer cooperation. Once again, thank you very much for inviting me to join you tonight,” the President concluded.