Modi Praises Balinese Tribute to Buddhist Triple Gem During Jakarta Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s itinerary in Jakarta featured a striking cultural showcase organised by the Vihar Dharma Ratna Group. The performance, titled “Homage to the Triple Gem”, used traditional Balinese choreography to convey the timeless messages of the Buddha’s teachings.

The act blended rhythmic drums, elaborate costumes and a narrative that highlighted the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Modi, visibly moved, lauded the performers for their artistic finesse and for bringing Indonesia’s Buddhist heritage to a global audience.

In a follow‑up post on X, the Prime Minister wrote that the display “filled me with pride to see such devotion to preserving Buddhist values, a shared cornerstone of Indian and Indonesian cultures”. He added that the event underscored how cultural diplomacy can deepen mutual understanding.

Earlier in the day, Modi was greeted at Soekarno‑Hatta airport by President Prabowo Subianto and four senior ministers. The reception included a short cultural segment, and Indonesian Air Force fighter jets escorted the Prime Minister’s aircraft as it entered the nation’s airspace.

The visit, the first high‑level exchange since the 2018 upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, defence, education and tourism, with the cultural programme serving as a symbolic reminder of the enduring friendship between the two peoples.