Indonesian president admits copying Modi’s policies

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has admitted to imitating Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies as he pursues development for the Southeast Asian nation, which faces challenges similar to India’s.

Subianto revealed his admiration for Modi during a banquet he hosted for the Indian leader, who is on a three-day official visit to Indonesia.

“I follow your career, copied your programs,” Subianto said, addressing Modi directly.

Subianto drew parallels between India and Indonesia, citing the demographic similarities and challenges both countries face, and the milestones India has achieved.

“We have the same problems… and yet India has achieved (much) progress,” the Indonesia president said, citing a large population, dependence on agriculture, and natural disasters – the same challenges that India has faced. 

“I openly admit that I follow your career and I copied a lot of your program(s),” he added.

Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, with around 280 million people. Both countries have a median age of around 30, though India’s below-35 cohort of 950 million is more than three times the entire population of Indonesia.

During his trip, Modi sought to tap the synergies between this vast pool of youth in India and Indonesia, with initiatives centered around youth-oriented education and the startup ecosystem of the two nations.

“The 21st century is a technology-driven century,” Modi said. “India and Indonesia are both nations powered by the energy of their youth. Our young people have a natural affinity for technology.” 

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An overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management (Bangalore) will be opened in the Singhasari SEZ in Indonesia. IIMs are considered centers of excellence in the South Asian country, with their alumni spread across the world. 

“This will greatly benefit young people across the ASEAN region,” Modi said, signaling India’s intent to widen its soft power diplomacy beyond Indonesia, into the ASEAN geopolitical arena.

Modi also announced the launch of the Indonesia Open Network (ION), based on India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) architecture.

“Today, we concluded an important agreement to strengthen technology cooperation between our young people in areas such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and digital public Infrastructure. We also agreed to further deepen collaboration between the start-up ecosystems of our two countries,” Modi stated.

Deepening the growing trust between our two countries, the two leaders signed 14 memoranda of understanding, including on maritime safety and security, space cooperation, defense, steel supply chains, rare earths, healthcare, agriculture, and science and technology.