Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during an event for the Indian diaspora on Tuesday, claimed a connection to Indian heritage, stating that he has Indian DNA. He encouraged Indonesians to learn from India’s historical experiences, noting that Indian civilisation has profoundly influenced the cultural and societal fabric of Indonesia.

The remarks were made in Jakarta, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several high-ranking Indonesian officials. Prabowo expressed his pride in being invited as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day in 2025, which will occur shortly after the commencement of his presidential term.

He referenced Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, who held a similar honour at India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950. Prabowo’s comments underscored the enduring ties between the two nations, both historically and culturally.

Significance of Cultural Ties

During the interaction, Prabowo highlighted the linguistic connections between the two nations, stating that approximately 50 per cent of the Indonesian language has Sanskrit origins. He remarked, “Many of our names are Sanskrit names,” which indicates a deep-rooted cultural bond. Prabowo further suggested that the two countries should strengthen their cooperative ventures in various sectors due to these shared connections.

In a lighter moment, he recounted undergoing genome sequencing prior to his official visit to India, discovering his Indian ancestry, which prompted a playful mention of his enjoyment of Indian music and dance. He humorously suggested that perhaps many of his ministers and generals share this connection as well.

Prime Minister Modi, responding to Prabowo’s remarks about his ancestry, acknowledged the depth of mutual trust and shared heritage between the two nations. He affirmed that Prabowo’s statement resonated with the Indian populace, emphasising the importance of cultural ties that unite both countries.

Commitment to Democratic Values

Prabowo also spoke highly of the productive meeting he had with Modi earlier in the day, addressing their shared status as two of the world’s largest democracies. He affirmed that maintaining democratic values is essential for both nations, stating, “It’s not an easy path… but it is the best system for justice, hope, and inclusiveness.”

He expressed admiration for India’s Election Commission, noting his government’s intention to learn from India’s electoral processes to enhance democratic governance in Indonesia. “We are very closely learning from them,” he stated, reinforcing the commitment to collaborative learning in democratic practices.

This gathering not only showcased the historical links between India and Indonesia but also highlighted the commitment of both leaders to nurture friendships grounded in mutual understanding and shared values. Both Prabowo and Modi stressed the importance of fostering ties that bolster cooperation in various fields.

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