Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during a dinner hosted in his honor by President Droupadi Murmu, brought a delightful mix of humor and emotion, sharing an unexpected and light-hearted revelation about his Indian ancestry. Speaking to a distinguished gathering that included Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Subianto joked that a recent DNA test showed he has Indian genes, much to the amusement of the audience.
“A few weeks ago, I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test, which determined I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows that when I hear Indian music, I start dancing. It must be a part of my Indian genes,” he said with a smile, drawing laughter and applause. His light-hearted comment set the tone for an evening that celebrated the warm and historic relationship between India and Indonesia.
Subianto’s presence in India was especially significant as he was the chief guest for the country’s 76th Republic Day celebrations, a role that symbolizes the importance India places on its ties with Indonesia. Reflecting on the cultural and historical links between the two nations, Subianto highlighted how the influence of ancient Indian civilization continues to permeate everyday life in Indonesia.
“A very important part of our language comes from Sanskrit. Many Indonesian names are Sanskrit names. In our daily lives, the influence of ancient Indian civilization is very strong,” he explained, underscoring the depth of the shared heritage. He described this bond as a testament to the enduring cultural exchange and friendship that has existed between the two nations for centuries.
The Indonesian leader also expressed heartfelt admiration for PM Modi’s leadership, calling it both "inspirational" and a model for others to emulate. “I am very proud to be here in India. I am not a professional politician, I am not a good diplomat, I say what is in my heart. I came here for a few days but learned a lot from Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and commitments,” he shared with genuine warmth.
He commended PM Modi’s relentless focus on addressing poverty and improving the lives of India’s most vulnerable communities, calling these efforts a beacon of hope for the world. “His commitment to alleviating poverty, helping the weakest parts of your society, is an inspiration for us. I wish the people of India prosperity, peace, and greatness in the coming years. I hope Indonesia and India continue to be close partners and friends,” Subianto added, emphasizing his hope for deeper cooperation and partnership between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, President Subianto joined President Murmu and PM Modi at the grand Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome amidst the vibrant display of India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and national pride. He witnessed the grandeur of the parade and participated in several ceremonial events that underscored the strong diplomatic ties between India and Indonesia.
Subianto’s visit also served as an opportunity to highlight the shared priorities and future aspirations of the two nations. Both countries have a long-standing relationship that extends beyond culture and history, encompassing economic collaboration, defense partnerships, and regional cooperation. Subianto’s presence as the chief guest symbolized a commitment to further strengthening these ties, especially in areas like maritime security, trade, and people-to-people connections.
The dinner, hosted in Subianto’s honor, concluded with warm exchanges and mutual respect between the Indian and Indonesian delegations. Subianto’s humorous remarks about his newfound Indian heritage, paired with his admiration for India’s cultural and political achievements, left a lasting impression on everyone present. His words reflected the spirit of camaraderie and shared values that have defined the India-Indonesia relationship for centuries, offering hope for an even brighter future together.
