Jakarta: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received loud applause from members of the Indian community in Jakarta after revealing that a DNA test showed he has Indian ancestry, making the remark in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the gathering, Prabowo said that before his state visit to India, he underwent genome sequencing, which indicated he had Indian DNA. He joked that this might explain why he instinctively enjoys Indian music and often finds himself moving to its rhythm.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during an Indian community event in Jakarta
His comments were met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Continuing in a light-hearted tone, Prabowo said several of his ministers and military generals also enjoy singing Indian songs, adding that perhaps they too have Indian DNA.
Highlighting the deep historical ties between the two nations, the Indonesian President said he considers himself a friend of India and believes Indonesians have much to learn from the country’s experience. He noted that Indonesian civilisation and culture have been profoundly influenced by India, pointing out that nearly half of the Indonesian language is derived from Sanskrit and that many Indonesians bear Sanskrit names.
Responding to the remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Prabowo’s reference to having “Indian DNA” had touched the hearts of millions of Indians and reflected the enduring bond between the two countries.
Modi recalled that the same statement had drawn the loudest applause when Prabowo first made it, saying it symbolised a relationship built on mutual trust and a shared civilisational heritage.
The Prime Minister also described Prabowo as a true friend of India and thanked him for the warmth and hospitality extended during his visit.
Earlier, Modi was conferred with the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna, Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, by President Prabowo in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations.
