Indonesia President Says He Copies PM Modi's Programmes, Calls India's Development Model an Inspiration
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday openly acknowledged that he has drawn inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance model, saying he has adopted several of the Indian leader's programmes after witnessing their impact on millions of people. The remarks came during a banquet hosted in honour of PM Modi, who is on an official visit to Indonesia.
Addressing the gathering, President Subianto praised India's development journey and credited PM Modi's leadership for delivering results in a country that shares several social and economic challenges with Indonesia.
"... I also want to admit to Your Excellency (PM Modi), I follow your career and I copy many of your programs. I don't mind admitting because if it succeeds for hundreds of millions of people with the same background as Indonesia, the same problems... India has achieved much progress. So I openly admit that I follow your career and I copy a lot of your programs. And it's proving to be successful for us. So thank you very much," he said.
The statement received applause from those present at the event and highlighted the growing strategic and diplomatic ties between India and Indonesia.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was also conferred with the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia', the country's highest civilian honour. President Subianto presented the prestigious award in recognition of PM Modi's contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Expressing gratitude after receiving the honour, Prime Minister Modi said the recognition belonged to the people of India and reflected the deep-rooted friendship shared by the two countries.
"This morning, I have also been conferred with Indonesia's highest honour with immense affection. This honour belongs to the crores of Indians... it belongs to the sentiments of the people of Indonesia, to the historic and intimate ties between India and Indonesia," the Prime Minister's Office posted on X.
The Prime Minister also thanked President Prabowo, the Indonesian government and its people for the honour.
"I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Ji, the Government of Indonesia, and the people here: PM @narendramodi," the post said.
PM Modi's visit is expected to further deepen cooperation between India and Indonesia across key sectors, with both countries looking to expand collaboration in trade, investment, defence, connectivity and regional security.
