President Prabowo Welcomes PM Modi at the Merdeka Palace
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday (7/7) officially welcomed Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s state visit to Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. The visit marked the stronger relations between Indonesia and India and their commitment to strengthen the partnership in various strategic sectors.
The official contingent cars of PM Modi entered the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta and were escorted by a convoy of guards that consisted of 17 motorists and 120 cavalrymen. This escort convoy reflected high respect towards PM Modi.
Hundreds of primary students gathered in the Merdeka Palace courtyard were very enthusiastic to be part of the welcome ceremony, waving flags of both nations. The excitement was felt more as the traditional dance from Betawi named “Kemilau Jakarta” showed the richness of Indonesian culture.
Upon PM Modi’s arrival at the western side of Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo directly welcomed him, showing a warm friendship through a tight handshake and hugs. The welcome ceremony officially began with the playing of the national anthems of both nations, followed by 21-gun salutes.
President Prabowo and PM Modi then proceeded to inspect the guards of honor in the Merdeka Palace courtyard. The ceremony continued with the introduction of delegates from each country.
Indonesian delegates who joined President Prabowo were Coordinating Minister of Politics and Security Djamari Chaniago, Coordinating Minister of Economics Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister of People Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Both President Prabowo and PM Modi entered the Credential Room of Merdeka Palace to take official photographs. Then PM Modi signed the State guest book—symbolizing a close friendship and his state visit to Indonesia.
The agenda continued with tête-à-tête meeting between the two leaders. Coordinating Minister of Economics Airlangga Hartarto and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono also attended the meeting. Then it continued with a bilateral meeting with delegates from each country.
In his remarks before the bilateral meeting, President Prabowo expressed his gratitude towards PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia, as this is a big honor for Indonesia.
“Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for the visit. We have a relationship that has been built for thousands of years, so we really appreciate the friendship between Indonesia and India,” said the President.
After the bilateral meeting, President Prabowo and PM Modi delivered a joint press conference, focusing on strengthening the strategic partnership between Indonesia and India in various sectors. The state welcome was concluded with an official luncheon at the State Palace. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/AW)
