Prime Minister Narendra Modi played the angklung, a traditional Indonesian instrument, during a visit to Jakarta on Tuesday [1].
The event served as a symbolic gesture to highlight the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Indonesia [1]. By blending a traditional local instrument with a piece of Indian popular culture, the interaction aimed to demonstrate the shared heritage and mutual appreciation between the two nations [1].
During the engagement, a musician performed the hit Bollywood song “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” using the angklung while Modi attempted to play along [1]. The choice of music provided a backdrop for a play on words regarding the future of bilateral relations [1].
“India-Indonesia ties could go far beyond ‘kuch kuch’ and lead to ‘bahut kuch’,” Modi said [1].
The cultural exchange was met with enthusiasm by Indonesian leadership. The interaction emphasized a personal connection between the leaders and a broader admiration for Indian arts in the region [1].
“I like to sing & dance to Indian songs; your country’s DNA is inspiring,” Prabowo Subianto said [1].
Such public displays of cultural diplomacy are designed to soften political negotiations and build a foundation of friendship that transcends formal government agreements [1]. The use of the angklung, a bamboo instrument recognized by UNESCO, underscores the respect for Indonesian tradition while integrating the global reach of Indian cinema [1].
“India-Indonesia ties could go far beyond ‘kuch kuch’ and lead to ‘bahut kuch’.”
This interaction represents a strategic use of 'soft power' diplomacy. By referencing a globally recognized Bollywood song and engaging with a traditional national instrument, India is leveraging cultural exports to strengthen its diplomatic footprint in Southeast Asia and deepen its partnership with Indonesia.
