TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto noted that democracy is frequently shaped by various challenges and dynamic shifts, stressing that it is not an easy system to implement. He shared these reflections during a speech before the Indian diaspora at the Indian Community Reception, an event also attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Democracy is not an easy system. Sometimes, it is very messy. But I think we are agreed that it is the best system for justice, hope, and inclusiveness," Prabowo said in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
The Gerindra Party chairperson pointed out that democracy, in practice, carries risks. He noted that the process faces constant hurdles, pitfalls, and interest groups attempting to hijack it for their own agendas.
Therefore, Prabowo urged all segments of society to uphold their faith in the democratic system.
Maintaining this trust, he argued, is essential to ensure that democratic processes align with core principles. "We must not give up. We must continue to believe in democracy and work hard to defend it," he said.
During the event, Prabowo also emphasized that the bond between Indonesia and India extends far beyond economic, trade, and political cooperation. He observed that both nations share parallel experiences in managing democracies, preserving unity amid diversity, and fostering stable governance.
The former defense minister under President Joko Widodo called on all sectors of Indonesian society to draw lessons from India's democratic journey. India, he noted, has managed to execute peaceful transitions of power despite its vast tapestry of ethnic groups, regional languages, and states.
Prabowo also openly expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Modi. "In fact, I don't want to be involved in domestic Indian politics, but I am a great admirer of Narendra Modi Ji," Prabowo remarked.
The Indian Community Reception marked the final evening of Prime Minister Modi's state visit to the capital. Modi's visit to Indonesia spanned three days.
He had been in Jakarta since Monday, July 6, 2026. Beyond his itinerary in the capital, Modi was scheduled to travel to Yogyakarta on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to visit the Prambanan Temple.
Back home in India, Modi remains a popular yet polarizing figure. Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have faced repeated criticism over accusations of advancing a Hindu nationalist agenda.
Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to this article.
Read: Modi Vows to Complete Prambanan Restoration Before 2029
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