President Prabowo Subianto said to an Indian diaspora gathering in Jakarta that he has "Indian DNA" [1].
The remarks underscore the strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between Indonesia and India during a state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi [2]. By emphasizing shared heritage, the Indonesian leader aims to foster deeper bilateral cooperation through a shared historical lens [2].
During the event, the president highlighted the influence of Indian culture within his own administration. He said that many of his ministers are capable of singing Indian songs well [1]. The atmosphere of the gathering was celebratory, focusing on the longstanding connections between the two nations [1].
Subianto expressed a personal affinity for the region's arts, saying that he likes to sing and dance to Indian songs [3]. These comments were met with praise from Prime Minister Modi, who said the sentiment was a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship between the people of India and Indonesia [2].
While some reports mentioned travel to Paris earlier this year, the specific diaspora event featuring these remarks took place in Jakarta [1]. The gathering served as a platform for the president to celebrate the contributions of the Indian community in Indonesia, and to acknowledge the cultural exchange that continues to shape the region [1].
Subianto used the occasion to bridge the gap between political diplomacy and cultural identity. By referencing his own DNA and the musical talents of his cabinet, he positioned Indonesia not just as a strategic partner, but as a cultural sibling to India [2].
“I have Indian DNA”
This public embrace of Indian identity by President Subianto represents a strategic use of 'soft power' to solidify an alliance with Prime Minister Modi. By framing the relationship through shared ancestry and cultural appreciation rather than purely economic or security interests, Indonesia is signaling a desire for a more intimate and enduring partnership with India in the Indo-Pacific region.
