Why Does Prabowo’s State Honor for PM Modi Draw Scorn?

Why Does Prabowo’s State Honor for PM Modi Draw Scorn?

Why Does Prabowo s State Honor – Amnesty International Indonesia has expressed skepticism over the decision by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to award Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna,” the nation’s highest state honor. The recognition, granted on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, during Modi’s visit to Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, has sparked controversy among human rights advocates.

Amnesty’s Report on Modi’s Human Rights Record

According to Amnesty International’s 2025/2026 findings, India’s human rights situation has “sharply deteriorated” under Modi’s leadership. The organization highlights the systematic use of legal tools to suppress dissent and limit freedoms. “Modi’s administration has been accused of systematically targeting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” stated Wirya Adiwena, Deputy Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, in a written statement dated July 8, 2026.

“Conferring the honor to PM Modi was worth criticizing, and it was an excessive measure by the Indonesian government,” said Wirya.

The report further notes that laws against sedition and terrorism have been leveraged to silence journalists, activists, and students. For example, prominent figures like Bhima Koregaon activists and Umar Khalid have faced prolonged detention. Additionally, minority groups, particularly Muslims, have experienced rising discrimination, including through policies targeting marital practices.

Modi’s International Stance and Criticism

Amnesty International also critiques Modi’s alignment with Israel, especially his silence on the country’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. “While speaking on Jerusalem last February, Modi failed to mention the ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank,” noted Wirya. “But these acts of willful ignorance just further allow Israel to continue perpetrating crimes against humanity,” he added.

Indonesia Urged to Revoke the Award

Wirya emphasized that honoring a leader with a poor human rights record is a misstep. “Therefore, the government must revoke the award and ensure that every honor given aligns with the respect and protection of human rights,” he stated. Amnesty International argues that human rights concerns should not be overlooked when conferring such distinctions.

Prabowo justified the recognition by citing Modi’s role in advancing Indonesia-India relations. He highlighted Modi’s support for developmental initiatives during a joint press conference. “Namely, the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna,” Prabowo stated, expressing gratitude for Modi’s acceptance of the award.

Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article. For more updates, click here to get the latest news from Tempo on Google News.