Prabowo Welcomes Modi at Merdeka Palace with Warm Embrace

President Prabowo Subianto received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday. Arriving at the palace complex around 10:18 a.m. local time, PM Modi and his delegation were accompanied by a motorcade and mounted troops. Students lined the route, waving Indonesian and Indian flags to welcome the head of state.

Upon arrival at the western side of the Merdeka Palace, Prabowo personally greeted Modi. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings and embraced before briefly observing a traditional Betawi dance performance. The state ceremony proceeded with the playing of the national anthems of both countries, followed by an inspection of the guard of honour and introductions to the respective delegations.

Indonesian delegates present included Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartanto, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Culture Minister Fadli Zon, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Following introductions, Prabowo escorted Modi to the credentials room for a photo session and a tête-à-tête meeting. The programme continued with a bilateral meeting between the two delegations, concluding with a joint press statement and the signing of memoranda of understanding. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that seven to eight MoUs would be signed, covering areas such as defence, education, health, and technology development.

Modi is scheduled to remain in Indonesia until 8 July. His visit will conclude with a trip to Prambanan Temple to inspect the results of restoration work carried out under a cooperation agreement between Indonesia and India.