The President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto attended India’s 76th Republic Day as the Chief Guest and was accompanied by a high-level delegation. One of the major takeaway of his visit was his “Indian DNA” remark jokingly made in reference to the genetic test he had recently taken. However, his light-hearted remarks highlight the deep cultural and historical bond shared by both the nations. This incident made the gathering of dignitaries, such as Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lighten up with laughter.
He said, “A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing.”
#WATCH | Delhi | “…A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing…”, says Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi… pic.twitter.com/N7f0EpLamZ
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
Indicating the relationship between India and Indonesia – as old as thousands of years and shaped by historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, recent happenings such as the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India have called for focussed efforts to be carried forward by both the nations to make this bond more secure and strong.
During his visit, President Subianto appreciated the leadership of PM Modi and his effort to alleviate poverty and uplift the marginalized. He was proud of visiting India and urged Indonesia and India to be close partners and friends.
The visit also resulted in the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries. These MoUs include areas of health, traditional medicine, and maritime security. The cooperation between the two nations is increasing and ascending day by day and these MoUs are examples of such cooperation. The participation of a 190-member military band named Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta in the Republic Day parade symbolizes Indonesia’s deepest friendship with India.
Historical and Civilizational Ties: Spread of Hinduism and Buddhism
The relationship between India and Indonesia dates back to ancient times. Trade and cultural exchanges flourished between the two nations, with Indian merchants and scholars playing an influential role in shaping Indonesian society.
Two religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, have had origins in India, and have a deep influence on Indonesia. Ancient kingdoms of Indonesia, such as Srivijaya and Majapahit, adopted Hindu-Buddhist philosophies, and this impact is still visible in the day-to-day life of Indonesians. Temples such as Borobudur and Prambanan stand as iconic symbols of this shared heritage.
Language and Literature
Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, has left a long-lasting imprint in Indonesia. Many Indonesian words are derived from Sanskrit, and the national motto of Indonesia, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), is from Sanskrit. The Indian influence can be seen through several historical texts such as the Kakawin Ramayana and inscriptions. People do not shy to uphold their historical past and historical links with India as the founding father of Indonesia, Soekarno rightly said, “Never ever forget history.”
Preservation of Heritage
Despite being a majority Muslim country, Indonesia has managed to preserve its Indic heritage. A remarkable example is the discovery of 1,100-year-old Hindu temples during the construction of a library at the Islamic University of Indonesia. Instead of ignoring the findings, the university integrated the temples into its campus. The existence of a historical Hindu temple in an Islamic university is proof that Indonesia has shown that it could be a ground of harmony between different cultures and civilizations.
Modern Relations
India and Indonesia have navigated through periods of political and economic change to build a strong partnership. During the Cold War, both nations backed the Non-Aligned Movement, promoting peace and independence from global superpowers. Indian first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the first Indonesian President Sukarno shared a good friendship, and even Nehru invited Sukarno as a guest on the first Republic Day of India in 1950. In the post-Cold War era, their relations have grown stronger, with a focus on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and maritime security.
Recently, Prime Minister Modi stressed that there is a shared cultural heritage in the Ramayana and how it brings India together with other Asian states, especially Indonesia. Such a statement resonates with the continuing impact of Indic practices on Indonesia’s cultural identity. The Prime Minister repeated that most of the people of Indonesia continue to nurture the Indic values that their ancestors left behind for them.
Also Read: India to Celebrate 76th Republic Day with Indonesian President Subianto as Chief Guest
A Vision for the Future
India and Indonesia are mutually responsible for one of the world’s most significant nations in the Indo-Pacific region. To bring peace and stability to the geopolitically changed region, both nations not only enhance maritime cooperation but also work on cultural exchange, trade partnerships, and people-to-people bonds.
The recent visit by President Subianto and his acknowledgement of shared history really makes this partnership very promising. Using their rich heritage and emphasizing common goals, India and Indonesia can inspire their youth and have a prosperous future together.
The values shared by both nations, historical ties, and modern cooperation will continue to keep India and Indonesia close partners for generations to come.
