Three Indonesians, One Timeless Bond
Honoring three remarkable Indonesians whose art, service and cultural leadership continue to strengthen the timeless bond between India and Indonesia.
For centuries, India and Indonesia have shared far more than diplomatic relations. Their connection is woven through history, trade, spirituality, art, language and culture. From the magnificent temples of Prambanan and Borobudur to the living traditions of Balinese dance and the timeless stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the influence of Indian civilization continues to resonate across the Indonesian archipelago.
One of the most meaningful acknowledgements of this enduring friendship is India’s Padma Shri—the country’s fourth-highest civilian honor. Conferred by the President of India, the Padma Shri recognizes distinguished service in fields including art, literature, education, science, social work and public affairs. While thousands of Indians have received this prestigious honor since its inception in 1954, only three Indonesian nationals have been recognized with the award—a remarkable testament to the extraordinary individuals who have strengthened the cultural and humanitarian bonds between the two nations.
Their achievements span monumental sculpture, Gandhian social service and the preservation of one of the world’s richest performing arts traditions. Together, they represent the many ways in which people—not governments alone—build bridges between nations.
I Nyoman Nuarta | 2018
The Sculptor Who Gave Indonesia a Monumental Icon
When visitors arrive in Bali today, one of the first landmarks they seek is the breathtaking Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue. Towering majestically over the island, it has become one of Indonesia’s most recognizable cultural icons. Behind this extraordinary masterpiece is I Nyoman Nuarta, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated contemporary sculptors and the first Indonesian to receive the Padma Shri, in 2018.
Born in Bali and educated at the Bandung Institute of Technology, Nuarta has spent decades redefining public sculpture in Indonesia. His works combine modern artistic expression with deep roots in Balinese philosophy, Hindu mythology and Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions. Beyond the iconic GWK monument, his sculptures can be found in public spaces throughout Indonesia, each reflecting a profound understanding of history, identity and national pride.
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana itself symbolizes far more than artistic brilliance. Inspired by the ancient Hindu tale of Lord Vishnu riding the mythical Garuda, the monument celebrates values of courage, protection and harmony that continue to resonate across both India and Indonesia.
By recognizing Nyoman Nuarta with the Padma Shri, India honored not only an exceptional artist but also a visionary whose work reflects the shared cultural heritage that has connected the two countries for more than a millennium.
“I create to honour the spirit of our culture and the divine stories that connect us all.”
— I Nyoman Nuarta
Agus Indra Udayana | 2021
Keeping Gandhian Values Alive in Indonesia
While sculpture can preserve history in stone and bronze, compassion leaves an even deeper legacy.
In 2021, Agus Indra Udayana became the second Indonesian to receive the Padma Shri, recognized for his outstanding contribution to social work and his lifelong dedication to promoting the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi in Indonesia.
As the founder of Ashram Gandhi Puri in Bali, Udayana has devoted decades to fostering interfaith harmony, community service, environmental conservation, youth leadership and rural development. Inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, non-violence and selfless service, he has built initiatives that encourage people from different backgrounds to work together for the common good.
His work extends well beyond the ashram. Through educational programs, humanitarian outreach, environmental campaigns and cultural exchanges, Udayana has helped countless young Indonesians discover the universal values of compassion, volunteerism and peaceful coexistence.
Perhaps his greatest contribution lies in strengthening people-to-people relations between India and Indonesia. Long before diplomacy enters the picture, genuine friendships are built through shared experiences, cultural understanding and acts of service—principles that have guided his life’s work.
His Padma Shri serves as recognition that diplomacy is not only conducted in conference rooms but also in villages, classrooms and communities where lives are transformed through kindness and service.
“In serving humanity, we find the truest path to peace and unity.”
— Agus Indra Udayana
Dr. I Wayan Dibia | 2021
The Guardian of Balinese Performing Arts
Few people have done more to preserve and promote Balinese performing arts than Dr. I Wayan Dibia.
Awarded the Padma Shri in 2021, the internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, educator and cultural scholar has dedicated more than five decades to ensuring that Bali’s artistic traditions continue to flourish for future generations.
A professor at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar, Dr. Dibia has become one of the world’s foremost authorities on Balinese dance. His performances, research, publications and teaching have introduced audiences across Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas to the beauty and complexity of Balinese performing arts.
What makes his work particularly significant is its exploration of the deep cultural connections between Bali and India. Many of his productions draw inspiration from the timeless epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, demonstrating how these stories have been embraced, adapted and transformed within Balinese culture over centuries.
Through dance dramas, scholarly research and international collaborations, Dr. Dibia has shown that cultural heritage is not static—it evolves, inspires and continues to unite people across borders.
His Padma Shri recognises a lifetime devoted not only to artistic excellence but also to preserving one of the world’s most vibrant cultural traditions while celebrating its enduring links with India.
“Our dances tell stories that travelled the seas and came home to Bali.”
— I Wayan Dibia
Celebrating a Shared Heritage
The stories of I Nyoman Nuarta, Agus Indra Udayana and Dr. I Wayan Dibia remind us that the relationship between India and Indonesia is built upon far more than political or economic cooperation. It is rooted in centuries of cultural exchange, shared philosophies, artistic inspiration and mutual respect.
Their Padma Shri honors recognize three remarkable individuals whose work has enriched both nations in different yet equally meaningful ways. Whether through monumental art, selfless community service or the preservation of ancient performing traditions, each has strengthened the living bridge that continues to connect India and Indonesia.
As the two countries deepen their strategic partnership in the twenty-first century, these inspiring Indonesians remind us that the strongest international relationships are ultimately shaped by people—artists, educators, scholars and changemakers—whose work transcends borders and leaves a lasting legacy.
Their achievements stand as powerful examples of how culture, compassion and creativity can unite nations, ensuring that the timeless friendship between India and Indonesia continues to flourish for generations to come.
WHAT ARE THE PADMA AWARDS?
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours.
They are conferred in three categories –
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
—in recognition of exceptional achievements and distinguished service in any field of activity.
The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award of India.
