Modi Highlights India-Indonesia Bond Beyond Geopolitics, Referencing Ramayana, Bali Jatra, Prambanan, and Borobudur
JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the deep-rooted ties between India and Indonesia, stating that their connection surpasses geopolitics. The relationship between the two nations is built on centuries of shared history and culture, symbolized by elements such as the Ramayana epic, Bali Jatra, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur.
“Our connection transcends geopolitics. We are bound by civilization, by history, by heritage, knowledge, and belief,” Modi remarked during a virtual speech at the inauguration of the Murugan Temple in Daan Mogot, Kalideres, West Jakarta, on Sunday (February 2, 2025).
The event was attended by around 2,000 Hindu devotees from 15 countries. The Murugan Temple, also known as Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, is recognized as the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia. Although President Prabowo was scheduled to inaugurate the temple, he was unable to attend due to health reasons, and the ceremony was officially led by Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar.
According to Modi, the spiritual bonds between the people of India and Indonesia are deeply intertwined with revered deities such as Lord Murugan, Lord Shri Ram, and Buddha. This connection is evident when visitors to Prambanan Temple experience a spiritual resonance similar to that felt in Kashi and Kedarnath in India.
Modi further explained that when people in Bharat (India) hear the ancient epic Ramayana in its various forms—Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, or Ramcharitmanas—they feel a shared connection with the Ramayana tradition in Indonesia.
He also mentioned that Ramleela, the folk drama based on the ancient Hindu epic, is now being performed in Ayodhya, India. Similarly, he noted that when Indonesians utter the phrase “Om Swastiastu,” it resonates with the sacred Swasti Vaachan mantra performed by Vedic priests in India.
Photo: Investortrust/Primus Dorimulu.
Celebrating Bali Jatra
Modi also referenced Bali Jatra, an annual celebration in Odisha, India, commemorating the ancient maritime journeys between India and Indonesia, both commercial and cultural. "Bali Jatra is a celebration of the ancient seafaring connections between India and Indonesia," Modi asserted.
The Prime Minister highlighted that when Indians board Garuda flights, they feel a cultural reflection within the aircraft, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
He expressed that the inauguration of the Murugan Temple marks the beginning of a new golden chapter in India-Indonesia relations. Modi fondly referred to President Prabowo as his "brother" and mentioned that their discussions on cultural heritage reflect the depth of the India-Indonesia connection.
“The inauguration of the Murugan Temple in Jakarta marks the start of a new era in our relationship,” Modi concluded. “I believe this temple will not only be a center of faith but also a hub for cultural values.”