Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday awarded Indonesia's highest civilian honour during his two-day visit to the Southeast Asian nation, with President Prabowo Subianto presenting him the prestigious ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ medal.
The award, formally known as the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna, is the country's highest state decoration. As the top class of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia (Bintang Republik Indonesia), it represents Indonesia's foremost order of merit and is bestowed by the President on individuals who have rendered extraordinary service to the nation.
Instituted in 1959, the honour can be conferred upon both Indonesian citizens and foreign dignitaries in recognition of exceptional contributions.
In the case of foreign heads of state and government, the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna is awarded to acknowledge their outstanding role in strengthening Indonesia's friendship, strategic cooperation and bilateral ties with other nations.
The decoration consists of five classes, with Adipurna being the highest, making it Indonesia's most prestigious state honour.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome in Jakarta, where horse-mounted guards, a ceremonial Guard of Honour and large crowds greeted him at the start of his official engagements in Indonesia.
President Prabowo personally welcomed the Prime Minister, and the two leaders shared a warm embrace before proceeding to high-level bilateral talks scheduled later in the day.
Indonesia organised an elaborate reception for Modi, featuring horse-mounted guards alongside colourful traditional cultural performances, as the Prime Minister began the first leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour.
Modi arrived in Indonesia on Monday, with his aircraft escorted by Indonesian military fighter jets after entering the country's airspace. President Prabowo received him on the tarmac, where he was also welcomed with a traditional cultural dance performance.
The July 6-8 visit, undertaken at the invitation of President Prabowo, marks Modi's fourth trip to Indonesia and the first bilateral visit between the two countries since they elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
During the visit, the two leaders are expected to hold extensive discussions covering the full spectrum of India-Indonesia relations, with a focus on expanding cooperation in defence, trade, maritime security, critical minerals, healthcare and emerging technologies.
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