New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day state visit to Indonesia from July 6 to 8 significantly advanced India’s soft-power diplomacy by showcasing the nation’s diverse regional crafts.
Among the thoughtfully selected cultural treasures presented to Indonesian officials was a traditional Odisha Ikat silk handloom, gifted to the Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament, Puan Maharani. This choice of gift underscores India’s approach of leveraging its cultural heritage to enhance modern diplomatic, maritime, and economic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Odisha Ikat, known locally as Bandha, represents a rich handloom silk tradition that reflects centuries of interconnected history between eastern India and the Indonesian islands. With deep historical significance, it recalls the ancient maritime trade routes established over a millennium ago by seafarers from the Kalinga region (present-day Odisha), who journeyed to trade textiles and spices with the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Bali. This enduring connection is commemorated in Odisha through the annual Bali Jatra festival.
By gifting this unique textile, PM Modi invoked these long-standing maritime and cultural ties that precede contemporary diplomatic relations.
Weaving Global Connections
Additionally, the Prime Minister presented various exquisite artisanal gifts to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, emphasizing India’s rich craftsmanship:
- Aipan Folk Art (Uttarakhand): A geometric rice-paste painting dedicated to Lord Shiva, this art form highlights the spiritual and artistic ties between the two nations. Its significance was heightened as PM Modi and President Subianto announced a joint restoration initiative for the historic, 1,000-year-old Prambanan Shiva Temple complex in Yogyakarta.
- Traditional Repoussé Silver Plate: This intricately crafted silver plate features motifs of lotus and elephant, symbolizing purity and wisdom, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to wildlife conservation.
- Manohari Gold Tea (Assam): One of the world’s rarest teas, this hand-plucked variety from Assam is produced in very limited quantities, showcasing India’s premium agricultural craftsmanship.
- Kashmiri Papier-Mâché Bowl: Decorated with traditional floral and bird designs, this bowl exemplifies the exquisite artistry of Himalayan artisans.
While addressing the Indian community in Jakarta, PM Modi remarked, “When India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just ‘kuch kuch’ (something) — it becomes ‘bahut kuch’ (so much more),” cleverly referencing a popular Bollywood phrase to illustrate the growing strategic partnership.
In a reciprocal display of goodwill, President Subianto gifted PM Modi a traditional West Javanese Angklung musical instrument and honored him with the ‘Bintang Adipurna,’ which is Indonesia’s highest civilian accolade.
