Our daily meals reflect this cultural blend, one is typically Indonesian, and the other is Indian. My son and daughter, like many Indonesian children, have developed a fondness for tahu nasi (rice tofu), which has become a favorite in our home.

This blend of cultures in my house reflects the evolving relationship between India and Indonesia. Under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the partnership between our two countries has grown significantly, and this momentum is set to continue and grow further with Indonesia’s new leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president-elect Prabowo Subianto are leaders who share a commitment to strong, decisive governance and are focusing on grassroots issues such as health, nutrition and social welfare. Their leadership styles have a common thread: the ability to unite diverse people, much like how my family has harmonized the best of both cultures.

“Prabowo Subianto was among the first leaders to congratulate the Indian Prime Minister after his reelection. They shared a very warm, friendly call. When I also met [Prabowo], he was warm and focused. He immediately took notes from our meeting a few months back and made sure things moved quickly. He reiterated that good relations with India will be key to the success of his presidency,” said Sandeep Chakravorty, the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

This emphasis on strengthening India-Indonesia relations highlights the importance of this partnership under the new administration.

The beginning of this strengthened relationship is already visible through several initiatives. One notable example is the influence of India’s Akshay Patra food distribution model. This globally recognized mid-day meal program has inspired similar efforts in Indonesia.