Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the highest civilian award of Indonesia, the Bintang Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia). The award was issued by President Prabowo Subianto to PM Modi in recognition of his excellence in strengthening India–Indonesia bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation on issues related to defence, maritime security, trade, digital technology and Indo-Pacific issues. This honour comes in the light of the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia, as well as India’s soaring diplomatic outreach to ASEAN nations under its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Why in the news?
During his official State Visit to Jakarta on 7 July 2026, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Indonesia’s highest civilian award, the Bintang Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia). PM Modi was awarded this honour by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in recognition of India’s role in consolidating India–Indonesia strategic relations and cooperation across several sectors.
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed the Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia’s highest civilian award.
- At Istana Merdeka (Presidential Palace), Jakarta, President Prabowo Subianto presented the award to her.
- PM Modi is the second Indian Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to be conferred this prestigious Indonesian Honor.
- The honour is an accolade for pursuit in enhancing and nurturing India–Indonesia ties.
- PM Modi had dedicated the award to 1.4 billion people of India and also to the long-standing friendship between both countries.
This visit saw both nations pledging to deepen collaborations in:
- Maritime security
- Defence
- Trade and investment
- Digital technology
- Renewable energy
- Healthcare
- Education
- Indo-Pacific cooperation
What is the Bintang Adipurna?
The Bintang Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia – Adipurna Class) is the highest national honour owned by the Republic of Indonesia, formed in 1959. Bestowed by the President of Indonesia to individuals showing extraordinary service or achievements in advancing and ensuring the honour, welfare, unity or international standing of Indonesia.
Why is this Award Important?
- Exemplifies the evolution of the overall Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia.
- Highlights the rising engagement of India in the ASEAN & Indo-Pacific region.
- Enhances maritime connectivity and promotes cooperation under India’s Act East Policy, in line with Indonesia’s vision for regional integration.
- Showcase of mutual trust between two important maritime democracies.
Overview: India–Indonesia Relations
| Particular | Details |
| Diplomatic Relations | Established in 1950 |
| Strategic Partnership | Since 2005 |
| Comprehensive Strategic Partnership | Since 2018 |
| Common Maritime Region | Indian Ocean & Indo-Pacific |
| Major Areas of Cooperation | Defence, Trade, Maritime Security, Energy, Digital Economy, Culture |
| Shared Platforms | G20, East Asia Summit, ASEAN-led mechanisms, IORA |
Previous Year Questions – India–Indonesia Relations
| Exam | Year | Question | Options | Correct Answer |
| UPSC Prelims | 2023 | Which one of the following best describes the objective of India’s Act East Policy? | A. Strengthening ties with West Asia B. Enhancing engagement with Southeast Asia and the Indo-PacificC. Promoting relations only with SAARC countries D. Expanding trade only with Africa | B. Enhancing engagement with Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific |
| UPSC Prelims | 2021 | Consider the following countries: Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Through which of these countries does the Strait of Malacca pass? | A. Indonesia only B. Indonesia and Malaysia only C. Malaysia and Singapore only D. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore | D. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore |
| UPSC Prelims | 2016 | The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is aimed at promoting cooperation among countries bordering which ocean? | A. Atlantic Ocean B. Pacific Ocean C. Indian Ocean D. Arctic Ocean | C. Indian Ocean |
| SSC CGL | 2022 | Indonesia is a member of which regional organisation? | A. SAARC B. ASEANC. BIMSTECD. SCO | B. ASEAN |
| SSC CHSL | 2021 | The capital city of Indonesia is: | A. Kuala LumpurB. Jakarta C. Manila D. Bangkok | B. Jakarta |
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Conclusion on PM Modi Receives Indonesia’s Top Civilian Award
The grant of Indonesia’s highest civilian award, the Bintang Adipurna, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is but another landmark in the deepening India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It symbolises the increasing confidence and partnership between the two countries in areas of strategic importance, including maritime safety, defence, trade, digital transformation, as well as over the Indo-Pacific. This honour also reflects India’s increasing diplomatic outreach in ASEAN as part of its Act East Policy. This development is significant with respect to Indian Foreign Policy, India–Indonesia Relations, International Awards and Regional Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region.
