PM Modi Honored with Indonesia's Highest Civilian Award 'Bintang Adipurna'

On July 7, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Indonesia's highest civilian honor, 'Bintang Adipurna' (Medal of Honour), during a grand state ceremony in Jakarta. The award was presented by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

This prestigious honor recognizes PM Modi's exceptional leadership in strengthening India-Indonesia historical bilateral ties, deepening the strategic diplomatic partnership, and championing the causes of the Global South.

• Highest Civilian Honour: 'Bintang Adipurna' is the highest class of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia.
• Establishment: It was instituted in the year 1959.
• Meaning: It translates to the 'Medal of Honour' and is the highest class of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia (Bintang Republik Indonesia) order.

• Eligibility: Conferred upon individuals (both domestic and foreign) who have made outstanding contributions toward the unity, stability, prosperity, and international relations of Indonesia.

PM Modi was conferred with this award in recognition of his significant contributions across several domains:

1. Elevating Strategic Ties: Elevating the India-Indonesia relationship to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'.
2. Indo-Pacific Collaboration: Driving mutual cooperation for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
3. Blue Economy & Security: Expanding collaboration in maritime security, disaster management, and the blue economy.
4. Trade and Defense: Strengthening economic ties, mutual investments, and counter-terrorism defense cooperation.
5. Global South Leadership: Amplifying the concerns, representation, and priorities of the Global South at forums like G20 and ASEAN.

• Second Indian PM: PM Narendra Modi is only the second Indian Prime Minister to receive this decoration, after Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Timeline of Recipients:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru - 1995
2. Narendra Modi - 2026

• Other Major Global Honors Conferred on PM Modi:

- Bintang Adipurna: Indonesia (2026)

- Order of the Druk Gyalpo: Bhutan (2024)

- Guardian of the Blue Horizon: Seychelles (2026)

- Order of the Nile: Egypt (2023)

- Legion of Merit: United States (2020)

- Order of St. Andrew the Apostle: Russia (2019)

- Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger: Nigeria (2024)

• Maritime Proximity: The two countries share a crucial maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean. India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated very close to Indonesia's Sumatra island.
• Multilateral Engagement: They collaborate closely across regional and global forums including G20, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• Anchor of Act East Policy: As the largest country and economy in ASEAN, Indonesia forms the cornerstone of India's 'Act East' Policy.

• Strong Cultural Links: Deep historical, commercial, and cultural ties span over two millennia, reflected in shared epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata) and Buddhist traditions visible in Bali and Java today.

• Capital: Jakarta
• Proposed New Capital: Nusantara (on Borneo Island)
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• President: Prabowo Subianto
• Official Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)